Criminal Law in Boone County
Boone County, Missouri, home to Columbia and the University of Missouri, is a vibrant college town and regional hub that sees a wide range of criminal matters each year. The county's diverse population — including students, long-term residents, and transient visitors — means that criminal charges can arise in many different contexts and circumstances. Whether facing a misdemeanor or a serious felony, residents of Boone County benefit greatly from the guidance of an experienced criminal law attorney. A skilled lawyer can help protect your rights, navigate the local court system, and work toward the best possible outcome for your case.
Courts Handling Criminal Law Cases in Boone County
Criminal cases in Boone County are handled by the Boone County Circuit Court, which is part of Missouri's Thirteenth Judicial Circuit. Misdemeanor matters are typically heard in the Associate Circuit Division, while felony cases proceed through the Circuit Court's felony division, both located at the Boone County Courthouse in Columbia. The Thirteenth Judicial Circuit also includes Callaway County, and judges may be assigned across both counties depending on caseload.
Common Criminal Law Situations in Boone County
In Boone County, some of the most frequently seen criminal matters include DWI and drug-related offenses, which are common given the large student population and the presence of busy entertainment districts in Columbia. Theft, assault, domestic violence, and property crimes are also regularly prosecuted by the Boone County Prosecuting Attorney's Office. Traffic violations that carry criminal penalties, such as driving while revoked or leaving the scene of an accident, round out many of the cases that bring people to criminal defense attorneys in the area.
Penalties and Outcomes in Missouri
Under Missouri law, misdemeanors are classified into classes A, B, C, and D, with Class A misdemeanors carrying up to one year in jail and fines up to $2,000. Felonies range from Class E through Class A, with Class A felonies carrying sentences of 10 to 30 years or life in prison, and Class E felonies carrying up to four years. A criminal conviction in Missouri can also result in probation, community service, mandatory counseling, loss of driving privileges, and lasting damage to employment and housing prospects.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Missouri?
In Missouri, misdemeanors are less serious offenses that carry a maximum penalty of one year in a county jail, while felonies are more serious crimes that can result in state prison sentences ranging from four years to life depending on the classification. The distinction matters significantly because felony convictions carry more severe long-term consequences, including potential loss of voting rights, firearm ownership rights, and professional licenses. An experienced criminal defense attorney can sometimes negotiate to have charges reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor, which may substantially affect your future.
What happens if I am charged with a DWI in Boone County?
A first-offense DWI in Missouri is typically charged as a Class B misdemeanor, carrying penalties of up to six months in jail and fines up to $1,000, along with a 90-day license suspension. Repeat offenses or aggravated circumstances can elevate the charge to a felony with much harsher consequences. In Boone County, the prosecutor's office and courts take DWI charges seriously, so having a criminal defense attorney review the evidence — including the traffic stop, field sobriety tests, and breathalyzer results — is essential.
Can a criminal charge be expunged from my record in Missouri?
Missouri law does allow for expungement of certain criminal offenses under Section 610.140 RSMo, provided that a waiting period has been satisfied and the individual meets eligibility requirements. Most misdemeanors are eligible for expungement after three years, while many felonies require a seven-year waiting period, and some offenses such as violent crimes and sex offenses are not eligible at all. A successful expungement allows you to lawfully state in most situations that the arrest or conviction did not occur, which can significantly improve employment and housing opportunities.
What should I do if I am arrested in Boone County?
If you are arrested in Boone County, you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney, and you should exercise both of these rights immediately. Do not make statements to law enforcement without your attorney present, as anything you say can be used against you in court. Contact a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible so that they can advise you on your situation, appear at your arraignment, and begin building your defense from the earliest stage of proceedings.
How does the Missouri court process work for criminal cases in Boone County?
After an arrest in Boone County, the process typically begins with an arraignment before the Boone County Circuit Court, where the charges are formally read and a plea is entered. For felony cases, there may be a preliminary hearing or grand jury proceeding to determine whether sufficient evidence exists to proceed to trial. Most cases are ultimately resolved through plea negotiations between the defense attorney and the Boone County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, though defendants have the right to take their case to a jury trial if they choose to do so.