What is a Class E Felony in Missouri?
A class E felony Missouri is the lowest tier of felony offense under the state’s classification system, yet it remains a serious criminal charge.
When an offense is declared a felony under Missouri law, the classification into class A, B, C, D, or E helps explain the maximum term of imprisonment. But it does not mean the “least serious” charge is minor.
Anyone facing a class E felony in Missouri should understand how these laws apply, what penalties can follow, and how this differs from misdemeanors or higher-level felonies.
How Missouri Classifies Felonies and the Role of Class E
Missouri divides felonies into five classes (A through E) based on statutory maximum imprisonment terms. The purpose of the felony class system is to provide a framework for sentencing.
- Under § 558.011 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri (RSMo), a class E felony carries “a term of years not to exceed four years.”
- Under § 557.021 RSMo, it states that if a statute defines an offense as a felony but does not specify the penalty, then it is classified as a class E felony.
This “default” rule ensures that no felony remains unclassified.
Here’s how the classes compare:
| Class | Maximum Term of Years | Notes |
| A | 10 to 30 years (or life) | Most severe offenses |
| B | 5 to 15 years | High-level violent/serious crimes |
| C | 3 to 10 years | Mid-range felonies |
| D | Up to 7 years | Low-range felonies |
| E | Up to 4 years | Least severe felony class |
By understanding the classification, someone facing charges can better assess where their offense falls and what maximum exposure exists under Missouri law.
What Makes an Offense a Class E Felony in Missouri
To determine whether an offense is a class E felony, the statute defining the crime must be reviewed.
Key points:
- An offense defined as a felony without a specified penalty is automatically class E
- If the felony’s maximum term of imprisonment is four years or less, it is class E
- The penalty for class E felonies “shall not exceed four years”
Because of this, many offenses that might seem “less severe” still qualify as felonies when certain criteria are met, such as:
- Prior record
- Victim category
- Monetary thresholds
It’s essential for someone charged to identify the precise statute, the value involved (for property crimes), and any enhancement or prior offenses that might elevate the class.
Common Offenses Charged as Class E Felonies in Missouri
While each case depends on specific facts and statutory language, the following are examples of offenses that may be charged as a class E felony in Missouri:
- Harassment in the first degree under § 565.090 RSMo
- Stalking in the first degree under § 565.225 RSMo (in certain situations)
- Theft of property or services valued at thresholds that trigger felony status under § 570.030 RSMo (varies by value)
- Resisting arrest, detention, or stop in certain felony-associated scenarios under § 575.150 RSMo
- Domestic assault in the third degree under § 565.074 RSMo (in some cases)
These examples illustrate that class E felonies span both property and personal-harm crimes. Although the maximum sentence is lower than higher classes, the fact remains that the offense is a felony.
Sentencing and Penalties for a Class E Felony in Missouri
When a person is convicted of a class E felony in Missouri, the statutory penalties include:
- Imprisonment up to four years in the Missouri Department of Corrections
- For Class D and E felonies, the court may impose a special term of up to one year in the county jail; sentences longer than one year are served in DOC
- Fines up to $10,000 for Class C, D, or E felonies (or up to double the offender’s gain)
Fines and restitution may also apply, depending on the offense and statute (for example, theft or fraud statutes),
When courts decide sentencing, they evaluate factors such as the defendant’s prior record, the nature of the offense, whether a weapon was used, or whether a special victim was involved.
Even though a class E felony is labeled “least serious” among felonies, that label is relative. Not an indicator of leniency.
Collateral Consequences of a Class E Felony Conviction
A felony conviction goes beyond the immediate sentence. For someone convicted of a class E felony in Missouri, repercussions may include:
- Loss or suspension of firearm rights under federal and state law (even after sentence)
- Difficulty obtaining employment or professional licenses due to a felony record
- Barriers to housing, especially public housing or rental screening with a felony history
- Loss of voting rights while incarcerated or on felony probation/parole, with restoration after completion of supervision (most cases)
- A criminal record that remains unless relief is available (note: some convictions are ineligible for sealing or expungement).
These challenges often last significantly longer than the sentence itself, affecting life opportunities in meaningful ways.
How a Class E Felony Differs from Misdemeanors and Higher Felony Classes
Comparing the classes helps clarify why even a class E felony must be handled seriously:
- Misdemeanors in Missouri carry potential jail terms of one year or less; felonies carry more than one year
- A class E felony allows up to four years of imprisonment; by contrast, a class D felony allows up to seven years, and a class C felony up to ten years
- Some offenses escalate: a second or subsequent offense or aggravating factors may raise an offense into a higher felony class, increasing maximum penalties.
In short, upgrading from misdemeanor to felony, or from class E to class D or higher, can dramatically increase exposure. Even staying within class E, the consequences remain significant.
Probation, Sentencing Alternatives, and What They Mean
Missouri law provides alternatives to straight prison time, especially for lower-level felonies. For class E felony convictions, one may consider:
- Suspended Imposition of Sentence (SIS)
- The court withholds imposing a sentence
- There is no final conviction if you successfully complete probation
- Suspended Execution of Sentence (SES)
- The court imposes a sentence but suspends its execution while you are on probation
- A conviction is entered
- Supervised probation or community supervision
- Instead of or in addition to incarceration
- May involve counseling, drug testing, community service, or other conditions
- County jail special term
- For class D or E felonies, the judge may impose a jail term of up to one year instead of state prison
These alternatives do not erase the fact of a felony conviction but may reduce the immediate prison exposure and assist in managing the long-term impact.
Why Early Legal Strategy Matters for Class E Felony Charges
When someone is charged with a felony in Missouri, timing is important. From the moment of arrest or charge, actions influence later outcomes:
- Review the statute to confirm whether the offense was properly classified as a class E felony
- Evaluate whether value thresholds, prior record, or aggravating victim factors apply, which might elevate the class
- Explore alternatives such as plea negotiations, diversion, or probation instead of incarceration.
- Address the collateral consequences early; employment, housing, and licensing can be assessed while the case is pending
In Missouri, even though the maximum term for class E is lower than other felony classes, each case is unique and demands a tailored approach under the right legal framework.
What to Do if You Are Facing a Class E Felony Charge in Missouri
If you are confronted with a charge in this category of felony in Missouri, it is important to act promptly and thoughtfully. The laws, classification system, and sentencing frameworks are detailed and specific, and early intervention may change the path ahead.
Consider reaching out to Rose Legal Services to review your situation. Their team is familiar with Missouri felony classifications and defense strategies for class E felony charges.
Prompt attention can affect how your case is handled, what sentencing alternatives may apply, and how long-term consequences can be addressed.
This article provides general information and should not be considered legal advice. Laws change, and each case presents unique circumstances. Consult with a qualified Missouri criminal defense attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
