Murder

• Murder is a Class A felony in Missouri. Murder can either be first-degree or second-degree. Murder in the second degree occurs when someone kills another person in the process of causing serious physical harm to the person, or while in the process of committing another felony such as robbery. This penalty draws a maximum jail term of up to 30 years. Murder in the first degree is considered more serious and can result in capital punishment. A murder is considered to be in the first degree when fully premeditated and consisting of heinous acts that include torture. Other criteria include previous first-degree assault convictions and the murder of a judicial or elected official. Aside from a death penalty, the only other possible punishment for first-degree murder is life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
  
  

Other Class A Felony Crimes

• Other crimes that qualify as Class A felonies in Missouri include rape, first-degree kidnapping, first-degree robbery and other sexual offenses. For instance, statutory sodomy with a child younger than 14 draws a punishment of up to life imprisonment, especially if the offender uses a weapon or causes serious physical injury to the victim or other people while committing the act. Statutory rape with anyone younger than 14 is also grounds for life imprisonment, especially when the offender uses or brandishes a weapon or inflicts serious bodily harm.
  
  

Misdemeanors and Infractions

• Apart from felonies, misdemeanors are other categories of offenses in Missouri. Misdemeanors draw a maximum penalty of up to a year in jail. They're divided into Classes A to C. They include such offenses as DUI, fraud, assault in the first degree and first degree trespass. Infractions draw a maximum of $200 in fines.