What is it — and should I accept it?

If you’ve been charged with a crime in Missouri, you may hear your attorney, or the prosecutor, mention something called an SIS. That stands for Suspended Imposition of Sentence, and for many first-time offenders, it can feel like a legal lifeline.

But what does it actually mean? Is it the right choice for your case? And what are the long-term consequences?

At KC Defense Counsel, our experienced Kansas City criminal defense attorneys near me have guided hundreds of Kansas City clients through the criminal justice system—including helping them decide whether an SIS is in their best interest.

Here’s everything you need to know.

WHAT IS A SUSPENDED IMPOSITION OF SENTENCE (SIS)?

A Suspended Imposition of Sentence is a type of plea deal in which:

You plead guilty, and
The judge withholds entering a conviction

Instead of imposing a sentence, the judge places you on probation, typically for 1–2 years.

If you complete probation successfully, the conviction is never entered on your criminal record.

In other words: you plead guilty, but if you follow the rules, you avoid having a permanent conviction—which can be huge for employment, housing, and your future.

SIS vs. SES: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?

Many people confuse SIS with SES (Suspended Execution of Sentence).

Here’s the difference:

SIS (Suspended Imposition of Sentence)

No conviction if probation is completed successfully
The case stays off your criminal record (except law enforcement visibility)
Great for preserving your clean background
SES (Suspended Execution of Sentence)
A conviction is entered, but jail time is suspended
You’re still on probation

The conviction does appear on your record

Bottom line: SIS = no conviction (if you behave). SES = conviction (but no jail, if you behave).

WHEN IS AN SIS OFFERED?

An SIS is typically offered to first-time offenders charged with non-violent or lower-level offenses, such as:

DUI/DWI (first offense)
Minor drug possession
Theft or shoplifting
Property damage
Trespassing

Prosecutors often use SIS to offer a second chance without overburdening the courts. But it’s not automatic, you need a strong legal advocate to push for it.

WHAT ARE THE CONDITIONS OF SIS PROBATION?

While on probation, you’ll need to:

Avoid new criminal charges
Complete community service (if ordered)
Attend counseling or treatment (if applicable)
Pay restitution or fines
Check in with a probation officer (in supervised cases)

Violating any of these terms can result in the judge revoking the SIS and entering a full conviction and sentence.

SHOULD YOU TAKE THE SIS?

For many people, the answer is yes—especially if:

You’re eligible for expungement later on
You have no prior criminal record
You want to keep your background clean for jobs or licensing

However, there are downsides:

You must plead guilty
You waive your right to trial
Violating probation can have serious consequences

Also, some employers or agencies (especially federal) may still see the arrest or guilty plea, even if a conviction isn’t entered.

That’s why you should never accept an SIS deal without fully understanding what it means and what’s at stake.

WHY YOU NEED AN EXPERIENCED KANSAS CITY CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER

The decision to take an SIS isn’t always straightforward. In some cases, your attorney may be able to:

Fight for dismissal or diversion instead
Negotiate a better deal, such as unsupervised probation
Help you clear your record later through expungement

At KC Defense Counsel, we’ll evaluate your case, explain all your options, and advocate for the outcome that protects your future.

FACING CRIMINAL CHARGES IN MISSOURI? KC DEFENSE COUNSEL CAN HELP

An SIS can be a powerful tool…but it’s not a get-out-of-jail-free card. It requires you to be proactive, responsible, and fully informed.

If you’re facing criminal charges in Missouri and want to explore whether a Suspended Imposition of Sentence is right for you, contact KC Defense Counsel today for a free case evaluation.

We’ll walk you through the risks, the benefits, and the best way forward.

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 in Missouri can be of assistance.