When facing criminal charges in Missouri, understanding the potential consequences is the first step toward building a defense strategy. Missouri law strictly categorizes offenses into infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies, each carrying specific maximum limits on fines, jail time, or state prison sentences.

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 557.011 grants courts authority to handle all individuals found guilty of an offense under the Missouri criminal code. It permits courts to utilize authorized penalties in various combinations, including imprisonment, fines, suspending the imposition of sentence (SIS), suspending the execution of sentence (SES), etc.

Below is a breakdown of the maximum allowable sentences for each offense classification under Missouri law, organized with minor offenses and misdemeanors first (from lowest to highest penalty), followed by felony categories.

Misdemeanor & Infraction Classifications and Sentences

Misdemeanors are less severe than felonies, and any resulting jail sentences are served locally in a county jail rather than state prison. Mo. Rev. Stat. § 558.011 establishes the authorized maximum and minimum jail terms for misdemeanor offenses (as well as prison terms for felonies); and Mo. Rev. Stat. § 558.002.1 provides the maximum financial penalties. Together here are the maximum sentences:

• Infraction: A non-criminal violation punishable solely by a fine not to exceed $400 (carries no jail time*).
• Class D Misdemeanor: Punishable by a fine not to exceed $500 (does not carry jail time*).
• Class C Misdemeanor: Punishable by up to 15 days in the county jail and a fine not to exceed $750.
• Class B Misdemeanor: Punishable by up to six months in the county jail and a fine not to exceed $1,000.
• Class A Misdemeanor: Punishable by up to one year in the county jail and a fine not to exceed $2,000.

*Because Infractions and Class D Misdemeanors do not include possible jail time, those facing only these charges are not entitled to a public defender in Missouri.

Felony Classifications and Sentences

Felonies are the most severe offenses in Missouri and carry terms of imprisonment served within the Department of Corrections (DOC). Like, misdemeanors, Mo. Rev. Stat. § 558.011 establishes the authorized maximum and minimum prison terms for felonies; and Mo. Rev. Stat. § 558.002.1 provides the maximum financial penalties. Together here are the maximum sentences:

Offense Classification	Maximum Sentencing Range
Class E Felony	1 to 4 years in the DOC; a fine not to exceed $10,000; or a special term of 1 year in the county jail.
Class D Felony	1 to 7 years in the DOC; a fine not to exceed $10,000; or a special term of 1 year in the county jail.
Class C Felony	3 to 10 years in the DOC; a fine not to exceed $10,000.
Class B Felony	5 to 15 years in the DOC.
Class A Felony	10 to 30 years (or life imprisonment) in the DOC.

Note on Enhanced Penalties: The ranges above reflect standard maximum sentences. Missouri law allows for sentence enhancements—such as extended terms or mandatory minimum service percentages before parole eligibility—for persistent, prior, or dangerous offenders. See posts here and here for di