Missouri grades felonies in five classes — A through E — with class A the most serious and class E the least. The class drives the maximum sentence, the bond practices, and the collateral consequences. The class also drives the defense strategy, because the work that can change a class-E case is different from the work needed on a class-A case.
This page is general information, not legal advice. The specific class of your charge — and the realistic outcomes — are questions for a defense lawyer.
The five Missouri felony classes
- Class A — the most serious, reserved for the worst conduct (certain murders, certain trafficking, certain serious sex offenses). Carries the longest maximum sentence.
- Class B — second-most serious. Many violent felonies and serious drug offenses fall here.
- Class C — mid-range felonies. Many felony assaults, certain property crimes at higher dollar amounts.
- Class D — lower-tier felonies. Common drug-possession felonies, lower-tier theft, certain DWI felony grades.
- Class E — least serious felony class. The class often used for first-offense felonies that don’t fit a higher class.
Each class has its own statutory sentencing range, with class A carrying the highest maximum and class E the lowest. Within each class, the actual sentence depends on the facts, the defendant’s record, and the county where the case is handled.
Why the class matters
Three big things shift with the class:
Sentence exposure. Maximum prison time, fines, and probation duration all scale with the class.
Bond practices. Higher classes carry higher bond and stricter conditions. Class A and B felonies often see significant bond amounts.
Collateral consequences. All felony convictions trigger the federal firearm prohibition and most professional-licensing issues — but the higher classes also affect things like jury service eligibility, certain immigration consequences, and the visibility/permanence of the record.
The class drives what the defense actually has to fight against.
Probation vs. prison
A common misconception: “felony” means “prison.” In practice, many Missouri felony convictions — especially class D and class E on first offenses — result in probation rather than prison. Whether probation is realistic for your case depends on:
- The class of the felony
- Whether mandatory minimums apply
- Your prior record
- The county where the case is handled
- The specific facts (injury, weapon, victim category)
- What kind of defense work has been done before sentencing
A defense lawyer can tell you what’s realistic for your specific case and what the work is to get there.
Can the class be reduced?
Sometimes — and this is often where the most valuable defense work happens. Routes to reducing the class:
- Pre-charge negotiation — talking to the prosecutor before the felony is formally filed, sometimes resulting in a lower class or a misdemeanor filing
- Plea-down negotiation — amending a class B or C charge to a class D or E in exchange for a plea
- Charge dismissal — when the evidence doesn’t support the filed class
- Suspended imposition of sentence (SIS) — a Missouri sentencing option where successful completion of probation can keep the conviction off the record entirely
These options are most available early in the case. Pre-charge work is typically the most valuable defense work on a felony, and it requires getting a defense lawyer involved before the prosecutor’s office has fully built the case.
What about expungement later?
Missouri expungement is offense-specific. Many class D and E felonies — and some class C felonies — are eligible after the waiting period, with violent felonies and sex offenses generally excluded. A defense lawyer can run the eligibility analysis for your specific record.
What to do
If you’ve been charged with a felony in Missouri, or you think you might be, call a defense lawyer in the first days. Pre-charge and early-case defense work is where felony classes get changed. For the broader picture, see the felony defense lawyer Kansas City pillar.
Common questions
Can a Missouri felony be reduced to a misdemeanor?
Sometimes — through plea negotiation, charge amendment, or particular sentencing options. Whether your case has that path available depends on the charge, the facts, and the county. A defense lawyer can tell you in a free consultation.
What's the most serious felony class in Missouri?
Class A — the most serious, used for the worst conduct (most serious violent offenses). Class E is the least serious felony class. The class drives the sentencing range and the bond practices.
Will a class E felony stay on my record?
By default yes — but many class E felonies are eligible for expungement after the waiting period under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 610.140. The eligibility analysis is offense-specific.