Kansas City Misdemeanor & Felony Attorneys

Defending Against Misdemeanor & Felony Charges in Missouri & Kansas

If you have recently been arrested—or believe you are under suspicion for committing a crime—you need strong legal counsel, and you need it fast. At Wood Ikram Law Firm, our Kansas City misdemeanor and felony attorneys are trial-tested and possess the knowledge, compassion, and tenacity to effectively fight for you regardless of whether you have been charged with a minor or serious crime.

Types of Misdemeanor & Felony Charges We Handle

Our legal team is equipped to handle a broad range of felony and misdemeanor charges, such as:

Have you been accused of a misdemeanor or felony offense? Call Wood Ikram Law Firm today at (816) 597-5966 or contact us online to schedule your free case evaluation with our misdemeanor & felony lawyers in Kansas City.

Misdemeanor vs. Felony

In short, the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor comes down to the severity of the crime and the associated punishments. Misdemeanors are seen as relatively minor crimes with low fines and little jail time, whereas felonies are generally taken far more seriously.

More specifically:

• A misdemeanor is any action considered a “minor wrongdoing” under the law. While crimes that are considered misdemeanors can vary state by state, generally, such crimes are punished by a fine, a short stint in jail, or both. Shoplifting, trespassing, and possession of cannabis for personal use are examples of misdemeanors.
• A felony is a very serious crime, especially those that involve violence or a serious threat of harm. Most minor felonies typically involve a year or more of time in prison; more serious felonies may result in a life sentence or even the death penalty. Murder, burglary, and kidnapping are all considered felonies under Missouri state law.

In some cases, the same crime might be considered either a felony or a misdemeanor, depending on the circumstances under which it was carried out. For example, if someone threatens to or actually does punch someone in the face, this would likely be considered a misdemeanor (simple assault). However, if someone attacks or threatens an individual using a dangerous weapon like a gun, the perpetrator would likely be charged with a felony (aggravated assault).

Misdemeanor Charges & Penalties in Missouri and Kansas

In the state of Missouri, misdemeanor crimes are charged as either class A, B, C, or D—with class “A” charges being the most serious.

The three classes of misdemeanors are as follows:

• Class A misdemeanor: Punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a fine not to exceed $2000 in Missouri and $2,500 in Kansas. Crimes include shoplifting, marijuana possession, third-degree assault, fraudulent use of a credit card device, and more.
• Class B misdemeanor: Punishable by up to six months in jail and/or a fine not to exceed $1000. Crimes include DUI or DWI first offense, first-degree trespassing, and other similar offenses.
• Class C misdemeanor: Punishable by up to 15 days in jail and/or a fine not to exceed $700 in Missouri and $500 in Kansas. Crimes include the first offense of driving with a high BAC, harassment, simple assault, and using fake identification (ID).
• Class D misdemeanor: Punishable by a fine not to exceed $500. Crimes include operating a vehicle without a license, the unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, and more.

Felony Charges & Penalties in Missouri and Kansas

Felonies are also categorized into classes in Missouri. Felony classes range from A to E, with Class A charges being the most serious. While certain crimes have specific penalties attached, and penalties may vary based on the facts of each individual case, felonies are generally punished as follows:

• Class A felony: Between 10 and 30 years in jail or life in prison.
• Class B felony: At least five and no more than 15 years in prison.
• Class C felony: At least three and no more than 10 years in prison.
• Class D felony: Seven years or less.
• Class E felony: Four years or less.

Penalties may also be increased if you have prior felony convictions on your record or if your offense was particularly violent.

Felony Drug Offenses in Kansas

Felonies in Kansas are classified differently. The felony sentencing guidelines in Kansas are complex, particularly since drug offenses are categorized in a completely different way than any other felony. Two primary things are taken into consideration in terms of the sentence faced for a felony charge, and those are the individual’s past criminal history and the severity level.

Drug offenses are classified into severity level 1 through 5 and non-drug offenses are divided into severity levels 1 through 10. In terms of a defendant's past criminal history, level A is classified as the most serious for defendants with three or more convictions for crimes committed against other people. Level one, however, is the least serious designation for a defendant who either has no criminal record or one misdemeanor conviction.

Contact Our Misdemeanor & Felony Lawyers in Kansas City Today

Whether you have been charged with committing a felony or misdemeanor, our criminal defense attorneys are prepared to fight for you. We have over 45 years of combined legal experience and have spent the majority of that time focusing on defending criminal cases. Attorneys Randell K. Wood and J. Lindsey Ikram understand how to collect relevant evidence and build a strong case that will help you stand against your charges. Our goal is to get your penalty reduced, or your charges dropped entirely so that you work on rebuilding your life.

Call (816) 597-5966 or contact us online to book a free, confidential consultation with our Kansas City misdemeanor & felony attorneys.