Can I get a felony expunged from my record in Missouri?

In Missouri, felonies are classified in four categories: Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D. Class A include the most severe and violent crimes such as murder and rape; consequently, Class A felonies carry the most stringent penalties including death in some cases. The subsequent classes devolve in severity of the crimes charged as well as the penalties incurred. Therefore, Class D felonies incur less prison time and less stringent fines. Missouri generally does not allow expungement of felony offenses.

Classified minimum jail terms

Class A (e.g., murder, rape, kidnapping, robbery) - a minimum of 10 to 30 years imprisonment

Class B (voluntary manslaughter, possession of a controlled substance ) - a minimum of 5 years

Class C (involuntary manslaughter, theft, felony DUI) - up to 7 years

Class D (fraud, passing a bad check, driving on a revoked license) - up to 4 years

Missouri requires that prosecution charges for a felony offense be filed within a statutory period. However there is no limitation for murder or other Class A felonies such as rape, robbery or kidnapping.

Missouri expungement

Although Missouri does not permit expungement unless the original arrest was based on erroneous information and the following conditions are present:

• there was no probable cause that the defendant committed the offense;
• no charges were pursued subsequent to the arrest;
• the defendant has no other misdemeanor or felony convictions;
• the defendant was not granted a suspended sentence for the offense;
• there is pending no civil action arising from the underlying issue; or
• the arrest was based on false information and the preceding conditions exist.

Consult with an attorney to discuss the exceptions provided by Missouri's expungement laws for felonies.