CAN I GET A FELONY REDUCED TO A MISDEMEANOR IN MISSOURI?

misdemeanor

If you’ve been charged with a felony in Missouri, the stakes are high: prison time, a permanent criminal record, and long-term consequences for your future. But in some cases, it’s possible to get a felony reduced to a misdemeanor, either through plea negotiations or sentencing alternatives.

At KC Defense Counsel, our experienced Kansas City criminal defense attorneys have helped clients across Kansas City avoid felony convictions by fighting for charge reductions, diversions, and favorable plea agreements. Here’s what you need to know about reducing a felony to a misdemeanor in Missouri.

WHY REDUCING A FELONY MATTERS

A felony conviction can impact your:

Employment and job applications

Housing opportunities

Gun rights

Professional licenses

Voting rights (during incarceration)

Reputation and background checks

Reducing a felony to a misdemeanor can protect your future, minimize penalties, and increase your chances of getting your record expunged later on.

COMMON WAYS A FELONY CAN BE REDUCED IN MISSOURI

  1. Plea Bargaining: Your attorney can negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce your felony charge in exchange for:
  • A guilty plea to a lesser offense
  • Agreement to complete probation or other court requirements
  • Cooperation in certain circumstances

This is one of the most common ways we help clients about legal practice to reduce felonies at KC Defense Counsel.

  1. Amending the Charge: In some cases, prosecutors agree to amend the charge from a felony to a misdemeanor before trial. This may happen if:
  • You have no prior criminal record
  • The offense was non-violent
  • There are weaknesses in the prosecution’s case

We frequently pursue this strategy in drug possession, theft, and property damage cases.

  1. Suspended Imposition of Sentence (SIS): Missouri offers a sentencing alternative called SIS, where you plead guilty, but no conviction is entered if you successfully complete probation.

If granted SIS on a felony charge and you complete the terms, you won’t have a felony or misdemeanor on your record.

This is a powerful tool—but it’s only available in specific cases, and not all judges or prosecutors will offer it without an lawyer pushing for it.

ELIGIBLE CHARGES FOR FELONY REDUCTION

Not all felonies can be reduced, but common examples where a downgrade may be possible include:

  • Possession of a controlled substance
  • Stealing under certain thresholds
  • Property damage
  • Receiving stolen property
  • Assault in the 3rd or 4th degree (depending on circumstances)

At KC Defense Counsel, we evaluate the facts, your record, and local court trends to determine the best strategy. Call us today. Our team of affordable criminal defense lawyers can help.

FELONY REDUCTION AND EXPUNGEMENT

Once your charge is reduced to a misdemeanor, you may become eligible for expungement sooner. In Missouri:

  • Misdemeanors may be expunged after 3 years
  • Felonies typically require a 7-year wait

A misdemeanor also makes it easier to pass background checks and rebuild your life.

WHY YOU NEED AN EXPERIENCED KANSAS CITY CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER

Prosecutors don’t offer reductions unless they have a reason. An experienced Kansas City criminal defense lawyer near you can:

  • Negotiate directly with prosecutors
  • Present evidence in your favor
  • Highlight your clean record, employment, or community standing
  • Push for SIS, probation, or charge amendments

CHARGED WITH A FELONY IN MISSOURI? CALL KC DEFENSE COUNSEL TODAY

If you’re facing a felony in Missouri, don’t wait. Contact KC Defense Counsel for a free consultation with an experienced Kansas City criminal defense attorney. We’ll review your case and fight to reduce your charges, protect your record, and preserve your future.

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