Felonies and misdemeanor crimes are separated into different levels based on the seriousness of the crime alleged. Class D felonies are the second least serious felony offense, but conviction for these offenses still come with felony-level penalties. The experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Johnson Law Firm are prepared to zealously advocate for your interests and freedom if accused of committing this type of crime. To learn more, call or contact our office today to schedule a consultation of your case.
Misdemeanor v. Felony
It is important to distinguish between misdemeanor and felony offenses in Missouri. Misdemeanors are the lower level offenses, and the maximum punishments allowed are a year in county jail and fines. Certain misdemeanor offenses can also be sealed or expunged after a number of years from a person’s criminal record. Felony offenses are the more serious criminal offenses and can be punished with more than one year in state prison and up to the death penalty. Most felony offenses cannot be expunged, and conviction for a felony comes with many other penalties attached.
Examples of Class D Felonies
Class D felonies are the second lowest level felony offenses in Missouri. Serious non-violent and low-level violent crimes are considered a Class D offense. Examples of a Class D felony in Missouri include the following:
- Making false statements on a tax report
- Failure to return to house arrest
- Operating a motor vehicle while the driver’s license is revoked
- Off track betting
- Filing a false insurance statement
- Stealing grain
- Second degree assault
- Second or third degree domestic assault
- Second degree sexual assault
- Trafficking in children
- Abuse or neglect of a child
- Forgery
- Counterfeiting
- Identity theft
- Mortgage fraud, and more
A person may also be charged with a Class D felony if they are accused of committing a Class E felony but qualify for enhancing sentencing. This means having two or more previous felony convictions or being considered a “dangerous offender.” A Class E felony can also be charged as a Class D if it is charged as a hate crime.
Penalties for Class D Felonies
If someone is convicted of a Class D felony offense in Missouri, there is no mandatory minimum sentence, but they can be sentenced to up to seven years in state prison. If the sentence is less than one year, the court can opt to sentence the person to county jail instead of state prison for the duration of their incarceration. A person convicted of a Class D felony can also face up to $10,000 in fines for the offense in addition to court costs and other fees. In addition to prison time and fines, a person convicted of a Class D felony offense also receives a permanent felony criminal record that appears on every background check for school, jobs, and housing. It also restricts future liberties, such as possessing a firearm, voting, and running for public office.
Talk to Us Now
If you or a loved one is charged with a Class D felony in the St. Louis area, talk to the knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys at the Johnson Law Firm today.
