{"id":374467,"date":"2016-03-31T21:35:49","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:35:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/missouri-law\/missouri-criminal-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-12-19T15:18:19","modified_gmt":"2024-12-19T20:18:19","slug":"missouri-criminal-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/missouri-law\/missouri-criminal-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Missouri Criminal Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\n \n Missouri Criminal Laws\n <\/h1>\n \n Learn about your state’s laws by using the links below.\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\n By Kit Yona, M.A.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

The criminal justice system of Missouri is designed to deter criminal activity and punish those who violate the laws<\/a>. The goal of the Missouri Revised Statutes is to maintain order, protect citizens, and offer criminals a chance at rehabilitation.<\/p>\r\n

With crime rates that are often among the highest<\/a> in the United States, Missouri criminal law is a work in process. Missouri’s gun control laws<\/a> are some of the most lax in the country. There are no licensing or registration requirements. Concealed carry of loaded firearms in public places is permitless.<\/p>\r\n

Missouri laws allow stand-your-ground<\/a> and castle doctrine defenses for the use of physical force and lethal force in self-defense cases<\/a>. Marijuana possession and use<\/a> is legal in Missouri, but having too much or smoking in public is illegal.<\/p>\r\n

There’s no question that Missouri criminal laws are complex and the statutes are sometimes difficult to understand. FindLaw’s Missouri Criminal Law section offers dozens of articles to help explain criminal issues and charges. It also explores the types of offenses, crime classification, the trial process, and defendant’s rights. If you’re facing prosecution, consider speaking with a criminal defense attorney<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Types of Criminal Offenses in Missouri<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

An offense occurs when someone breaks the law. When a case is filed against the offender, it becomes a charge. Not all charges are the same. It makes sense that the punishment should fit the offense. The more serious the act committed, the stricter the penalty. Missouri has different types<\/a> of offense classification in its criminal system:<\/p>\r\n

Felonies<\/b> – Felony offenses<\/a> make up the most serious crimes committed in the state of Missouri. Rape, murder, treason, and assault are all felonies. Sentences are imposed by a judge. There are five different felony levels in Missouri:<\/p>\r\n