A felony crime is a serious matter anywhere in the country, with penalties that can include prison time and hefty fines. States like Missouri have strict laws in place that can significantly change the life of a person charged with a felony. When offenders find themselves arrested for such crimes, defense attorneys can play a vital role in minimizing the impact of the charges.

What Is a Felony?

Felonies are among the most serious crimes. Although states have their statutes regarding felony crimes, punishments typically consist of imprisonment in a federal facility for at least a year. While many tend to think felonies always involve violent acts or a threat against a person, some nonviolent crimes are also considered felonies.

Common examples of nonviolent felonies include tax evasion, grand larceny, fraud, and money laundering. Even if these offenses have nothing to do with physical harm, they can put the public in severe financial jeopardy.

Apart from the two main types of felonies, Missouri legal statutes further categorize felony crimes into Classes A up to E. Class E felonies are the least serious crimes, while Class A crimes are the worst. Offenses such as murder and first-degree robbery fall under Class A, with a corresponding penalty of at least 10 to 30 years in prison.

Meanwhile, crimes such as insurance fraud and third-degree assault are Class E felonies and can carry sentences of up to four years in prison and $10,000 in fines. Regardless of the type of felony, prison time is a likely punishment, and attorneys are often called in to help provide strong legal defenses.

How Is a Felony Different From a Misdemeanor?

A misdemeanor crime is less severe than a felony and usually entails lessened punishments. An incarceration sentence for a misdemeanor offense usually is less than one year and is carried out in a local jail.

Moreover, misdemeanor crimes often don’t have long-term consequences compared to felonies, although they can be upgraded to felonies depending on the circumstances of the case. Thus, it’s beneficial to seek the counsel of defense attorneys after an arrest to get expert legal guidance.

Criminal charges, especially felonies, call for competent legal counsel from expert attorneys. When you find yourself in legal trouble, trust Privette Law Office in Willow Springs, MO, to provide you with reliable advice and skillful representation. You can depend on their personalized services when it comes to criminal defense, personal injury, real estate law, family law, and civil litigation. Contact them today at (417) 469-3535 to schedule your free consultation or visit their website to send them a message.