Violent crimes are among the most serious charges, putting your freedom at risk. Whether it stems from a misunderstanding or a situation that escalated, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed.
Protect yourself by not speaking to police or anyone about your case without an attorney. Prosecutors aggressively pursue these charges, so you need a strong, strategic defense tailored to your situation.
At Sandage Law LLC, we defend clients charged with violent crimes throughout the Kansas City metro area. Call (816) 753-0800 today to schedule your free consultation with a Kansas City violent crimes lawyer and begin building your defense immediately.
Why Choose Sandage Law LLC?
For more than 70 years, we have worked to secure case dismissals, reduced sentences, and not-guilty verdicts. That depth of practice informs the way we handle every case that comes through our doors.
We believe everyone has rights, and we are committed to protecting yours with the same level of dedication, regardless of the charges you face. From the moment you reach out, we work closely with you to build a defense grounded in the facts of your case:
- Investigating the circumstances surrounding your arrest
- Reviewing police reports, witness statements, and physical evidence
- Filing motions to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence
- Negotiating with prosecutors for reduced charges or alternative sentencing
- Preparing and presenting your defense at trial
- Advising you on plea options and potential outcomes
Violent Crime Charges in Kansas City, MO
Missouri law broadly defines violent crimes, and the exact charge you face shapes the potential penalties, possible defenses, and lasting consequences. Crimes involving force, threats, or weapons are among the most serious under the state’s criminal code:
- First-degree and second-degree murder
- Voluntary and involuntary manslaughter
- First-degree and second-degree assault
- Domestic assault in all degrees
- Forcible rape in the first degree
- Armed criminal action
- Robbery in the first and second degree
- Kidnapping and felonious restraint
- Arson
- Weapons offenses and unlawful use of a weapon
- Carjacking
Potential Penalties for Violent Crimes in Kansas City, MO
The specific punishment you face will depend on the classification of the offense, any aggravating factors, your prior criminal history, and whether a weapon was involved. Our Kansas City violent crimes lawyers at Sandage Law LLC can analyze the specific charges against you and help you understand what you’re truly facing.
Misdemeanor Penalties
Missouri divides misdemeanors into four classes, each carrying its own sentencing range. While misdemeanor violent crimes are less severe than felonies, a conviction still creates a permanent criminal record. It can affect employment, housing, and other areas of your life:
- Class A Misdemeanor: Up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.
- Class B Misdemeanor: Up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
- Class C Misdemeanor: Up to 15 days in jail and a fine of up to $750.
- Class D Misdemeanor: No jail time is authorized, but a fine of up to $500.
Penalties by Felony Class
Felony violent crime convictions carry significantly harsher sentences under RSMo § 558.011. The state assigns felony classifications that determine the range of imprisonment a judge or jury may impose:
- Class A Felony: 10 to 30 years in prison, or life imprisonment for the most serious offenses.
- Class B Felony: 5 to 15 years in prison.
- Class C Felony: 3 to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
- Class D Felony: Up to 7 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
- Class E Felony: Up to 4 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Potential Additional Consequences
Beyond incarceration and fines, a violent crime conviction in Missouri triggers a range of collateral consequences that can follow you for years or even a lifetime. Under federal statute 18 U.S.C. § 922(g), individuals convicted of felonies lose the right to possess firearms nationwide, regardless of state law. Other consequences include:
- Loss of voting rights during incarceration and, in some cases, parole
- Ineligibility for certain professional licenses
- Restrictions on federal student financial aid
- Immigration consequences for non-citizens, including deportation
- Difficulty securing employment and housing
- Impact on child custody and family court proceedings
Proven Defense Strategies Against Violent Crimes Charges in Missouri
The right defense strategy depends entirely on the facts, the evidence, and the specific charges you face. Our Kansas City violent crimes lawyers evaluate every angle of the prosecution’s case to identify the approach most likely to produce a favorable outcome. Several well-established defense strategies have proven effective in violent crime cases:
- Self-defense: Missouri’s castle doctrine and stand-your-ground laws under RSMo § 563.031 allow individuals to use reasonable force, including deadly force, to protect themselves from imminent harm under certain circumstances.
- Defense of others: You may have acted to protect a family member, friend, or even a stranger from immediate physical danger, which can serve as a complete justification for your actions.
- Insufficient evidence: The prosecution must prove each element of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt, and challenging the quality, reliability, or completeness of the state’s evidence can result in acquittal or dismissal.
- Mistaken identity: Eyewitness misidentification is a major factor in wrongful convictions, while alibis, surveillance footage, and forensic evidence can help prove that an innocent person was charged.
- Constitutional violations: If law enforcement violated your Fourth, Fifth, or Sixth Amendment rights during the investigation, arrest, or interrogation, your attorney can file motions to suppress the resulting evidence.
- Lack of intent: Many violent crime statutes require the prosecution to prove a specific mental state, and demonstrating that your actions were accidental or lacked the required intent can reduce or eliminate the charges.
FAQ: What to Know After a Violent Crimes Arrest
What Happens at My First Court Appearance?
Your first court appearance, called an arraignment, is where the judge formally reads the charges against you and asks you to enter a plea. The judge will also address bail conditions and any restrictions on your release. Arraignment typically occurs within 24 to 48 hours of your arrest, and having a Kansas City violent crimes lawyer present at this stage helps set the right tone for your defense from the very beginning.
What if I Am Guilty?
Even if you believe the evidence against you is strong, you still have rights and options. We can negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges, alternative sentencing, or plea agreements that minimize the long-term impact on your life.
Can a Victim Drop Charges in a Violent Crime Case?
Once the state files charges, the decision to prosecute rests with the prosecutor’s office, not the alleged victim. While a victim’s reluctance to cooperate can influence the prosecution’s strategy, the state can and often does proceed with the case regardless.
What Should I Do if I’m Accused of a Violent Crime?
Invoke your right to remain silent and contact a defense attorney immediately. Do not provide statements, consent to searches, or discuss the allegations with anyone other than your lawyer until you have received proper legal guidance.
Don’t Compromise Your Future. Contact a Kansas City Violent Crimes Lawyer Now
The decisions you make in the hours and days following an arrest carry weight that lasts for years. Waiting to seek legal counsel only gives the prosecution more time to build its case while your defense sits idle. Sandage Law LLC is ready to step in, protect your rights, and fight for the outcome you deserve. Call (816) 753-0800 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with a Kansas City violent crimes lawyer today.