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Missouri Changes Criminal Code

2017 Changes to Missouri’s Criminal Code

With a new year upon us, big changes were made to Missouri’s criminal code.  This is the first widespread change to the Missouri Criminal Code since the 1970s.  Most notably among the changes is the addition of a fifth felony class in Missouri.  Prior to this change, Missouri’s lowest class of felony was a D class.  Now, in Missouri, there is an E class.

The sentencing range for A and B felonies has not changed.  A C felony is now punishable from 3 to 10 years in prison, up from the maximum of 7 years.  D felonies are punishable up to 7 years, up from 4 years.  Finally, an E felony, which is an entirely new class of felonies in Missouri, is punishable up to 4 years in prison.

Highlights of the new criminal code include tougher punishment on DWI offenses, while also decreasing the severity of some marijuana offenses.  Other notable changes include raising the value of property or goods in stealing offenses to $750 from $500 to reach the requisite amount for the offense to become a felony versus a misdemeanor.

Missouri Felony vs. Misdemeanor Chart