HOW LONG DOES A CRIMINAL CASE TAKE IN MISSOURI?

criminal case

If you’ve been charged with a crime, one of your biggest questions is likely:

“How long will this take?”

Criminal cases in Missouri can move quickly or they can drag on for months, even years, depending on the charges, court backlog, and strategy.

At KC Defense Counsel, our experienced Kansas City criminal defense and trial lawyers help clients across the Kansas City metro area as well as the state of Missouri understand and navigate the legal process from start to finish.

Here’s what to expect when it comes to timelines for a criminal case in Missouri.

THE TYPICAL STAGES OF A CRIMINAL CASE IN MISSOURI

  1. Arrest or Summons

Your case begins when you’re either arrested or receive criminal summons. For more serious charges, arrest usually comes first. For misdemeanors or low-level felonies, you may receive a citation or be notified by mail.

Timeline: Immediate

2. Arraignment (First Court Appearance)

This is where you’re formally told the charges against you and asked to enter a plea—guilty, not guilty, or no contest. For most criminal cases in Kansas City, arraignment occurs within a few days to a few weeks of the arrest or summons.

Timeline: 1–3 weeks after charges are filed

3. Bond Hearing (if applicable)

If you’re in custody, a bond hearing may be held to decide whether you’ll be released and under what conditions. KC Defense Counsel fights for the lowest possible bond or release on recognizance (no money paid).

Timeline: Within 48 hours (if arrested)

4. Discovery and Pretrial Motions

This is the most time-consuming part of the process. Your lawyer will request all evidence from the prosecution, investigate the case, file motions (such as suppressing evidence), and prepare for negotiations or trial.

Timeline: 1–6 months (sometimes longer)

5. Plea Bargaining or Trial Decision

Most Missouri criminal cases are resolved through plea deals, especially for first-time offenders. However, if no fair deal is offered, we prepare for trial.

Timeline: Plea negotiations can occur any time before trial; trials may be scheduled months out depending on the court’s calendar.

6. Trial

If your case goes to trial, it may take one day (for misdemeanors) or several days (for felonies). Both sides present evidence, call witnesses, and make arguments before a judge or jury.

Timeline: Trial date is often set 3–9 months from arraignment, but can be delayed

7. Sentencing

If you plead guilty or are found guilty at trial, the judge will schedule a sentencing hearing. This can happen immediately after trial or be set a few weeks later.

Timeline: 1–6 weeks after conviction

FACTORS THAT CAN EXTEND THE TIMELINE OF YOUR TRIAL

  • Court backlog or delays (especially in busy jurisdictions like Jackson County)
  • COVID-related scheduling impacts
  • Motion hearings or delays due to legal challenges
  • Changes in legal representation
  • Requests for continuance by either side

NOTE: Some felony cases may take a year or more to fully resolve, especially if they involve serious allegations or complex evidence.

HOW KC DEFENSE COUNSEL WORKS TO KEEP YOU INFORMED

At KC Defense Counsel, our affordable Kansas City criminal defense lawyers near you don’t just fight your charges, we help you understand every step of the process. We’ll give you realistic timelines, keep you updated, and help you make informed decisions based on your specific case.

Whether you’re facing a misdemeanor or felony, we work to resolve your case efficiently while protecting your rights.

HIRE THE RIGHT KANSAS CITY CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER FOR YOU

Every criminal case in Missouri is different but having the right attorney can make the process faster, smoother, and less stressful. Contact KC Defense Counsel today for a free consultation with a skilled Kansas City criminal defense attorney.

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