HOW LONG DOES A CRIMINAL CASE TAKE IN MISSOURI?

If you’ve been charged with a crime in Missouri, one of the first questions you probably have is:

“How long will this take?”

It’s a fair question — and an important question, to be sure. Court dates, attorney meetings, and the uncertainty of waiting can add enormous stress to your life.

At KC Defense Counsel, our experienced Kansas City criminal defense attorneys near you help clients all over Kansas City and Missouri understand what to expect in the criminal justice process.

If you’ve been charged with a crime in Kansas City or just even in the state of Missouri, you’ve got a long and could-be confusing road ahead of you depending on the charges.

We can help. Give our trusted and skilled Missouri criminal defense team a call today and let us help you in the legal process to understand and navigate the road ahead with a clear, realistic look at how long a criminal case can take in Missouri and what factors affect the timeline.

NOT ALL CRIMINAL CASES ARE THE SAME

The length of a criminal case depends on many factors:

• Type of charge (misdemeanor vs. felony)
• Jurisdiction (municipal vs. state court)
• Complexity of the evidence
• Whether you’re in custody or out on bond
• Defense strategy (plea deal vs. trial)

Some cases can resolve in a few weeks. Others may take months or even over a year.

STAGES OF A CRIMINAL CASE IN MISSOURI

Arrest and Charging

• After arrest, charges are filed by the prosecutor.
• This can happen immediately or after a short investigation.
• If you’re in custody, you’ll see a judge quickly for bond or release conditions.

Timeline: Usually within days.

Arraignment

• Your first court appearance to enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest).
• The judge informs you of the charges and your rights.

Timeline: Typically within a few weeks of arrest.

Pretrial Phase

• Your attorney reviews evidence (discovery), negotiates with prosecutors, files motions.
• Many cases are resolved here through plea bargains or dismissals.

Timeline: Can last 1–3 months for simple cases or much longer for complex felonies.

Trial Preparation and Scheduling

• If no plea deal is reached, the case is set for trial.
• Missouri courts often have crowded dockets, leading to delays.
• Both sides may request continuances for strategy or gathering evidence.

Timeline: Trial may be scheduled 3–12 months out (or more) from arrest.

Trial

• Misdemeanor trials may take a day or two.
• Felony trials can last several days or weeks.

Timeline: Actual trial length is short—but getting to trial can take many months.

Sentencing

• If convicted or if a plea is entered, sentencing may happen immediately or be scheduled for a later date.

Timeline: Typically within 30–60 days after plea or verdict.

REASON CASES CAN GET DELAYED IN MISSOURI

Delays can be frustrating but are common. Reasons include:

• Backlogged court calendars
• Complex evidence or multiple defendants
• Witness availability
• Negotiations for plea deals
• Motions filed by defense or prosecution

While waiting is hard, delays can sometimes benefit your defense, giving your lawyer more time to find weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.

HOW AN EXPERIENCED MISSOURI CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER CAN HELP

A skilled Kansas City criminal defense attorney in Missouri can:

• Speed up the process when possible
• Request bond reductions or modifications
• Negotiate favorable plea deals early
• Argue to dismiss charges or suppress evidence
• Prepare thoroughly if trial is unavoidable

At KC Defense Counsel, we know the local courts and prosecutors in Kansas City and we know how to keep your case moving while protecting your rights.

CONTACT KC DEFENSE COUNSEL TODAY FOR A FREE CASE EVALUATION

How long does a criminal case take in Missouri? It depends on the details of your case, but no one should have to navigate the system alone. If you’re facing charges in Kansas City or anywhere in Missouri, don’t wait. The sooner you talk to a lawyer, the better prepared you’ll be at every stage.

Reach out for a free case evaluation. We’ll explain your options, timelines, and strategy—so you can move forward with confidence. Let us fight for you.

Cities we serve: Adrian, Archie, Bates City, Belton, Blue Springs, Buckner, Butler, Cameron, Claycomo, Cleveland,  Drexel, Fairview,  Ferrelview,  Gladstone, Grain Valley, Grandview, Greenwood, Houston Lake, Independence, Kansas City Missouri, Kearney, , Knob Noster, Lake Lotawana, Lake Tapawingo, Lake Waukomis, Lake Winnebago, Lawson, Lee’s Summit, Liberty, North Kansas City, Oak Grove, Oakview,  Parkville, Peculiar,, Platte City, Platte Woods, Plattsburg, Pleasant Hill,  Raymore, Raytown, Riverside, Smithville, Sugar Creek, Tracy,  Warrensberg, Weatherby Lake, and Weston.

Statewide: Missouri State Highway Patrol and Sheriff Counties we serve: Bates County, Cass County, Clay County, Jackson County, Platte County, Ray County.

Contact us if your ticket is not on this list so our experienced Kansas City criminal defense lawyers near me in Missouri can be of assistance.