Reviewed by R. Christopher Simons, Kansas City traffic attorney. Last updated October 2026.
Charged with a crime in Kansas City? Speeding Ticket KC defends misdemeanor and criminal traffic charges in Kansas City Municipal Court and in Jackson, Clay, Platte and Cass County courts. We handle DWI, driving while suspended, drug possession, theft, leaving the scene, fleeing and eluding, and warrant cases, and we quote a flat fee upfront. Call (816) 398-8772 for a free consultation.
Do not talk to police or the prosecutor about your case before speaking with a lawyer. Anything you say can be used against you. If you have a court date coming up, call us now so we can prepare.
Criminal Defense
Including first offense, refusal and repeat offenses.
And driving without a valid license.
And paraphernalia charges.
(Stealing) misdemeanors.
And hit and run.
And resisting arrest.
And other criminal traffic offenses.
For missed court dates or unpaid tickets.
Missouri divides crimes into misdemeanors and felonies by class. The maximum penalties set by Missouri law are:
| Class | Maximum jail or prison | Maximum fine |
|---|---|---|
| Class A misdemeanor | 1 year | $2,000 |
| Class B misdemeanor | 6 months | $1,000 |
| Class C misdemeanor | 15 days | $750 |
| Class D misdemeanor | No jail | $500 |
| Class E felony | 4 years | $10,000 |
| Class D felony | 7 years | $10,000 |
The actual outcome depends on the facts, your record and the court. Many first-time misdemeanor cases can be resolved without jail through negotiation, diversion or a suspended imposition of sentence (SIS). Many drivers start by asking a traffic lawyer in Kansas City about their options.
We appear regularly in Kansas City Municipal Court and the Jackson, Clay, Platte and Cass County circuit courts.
Flat-fee pricing quoted upfront after a free consultation, so you know the cost before we start.
Direct attorney access from your first call to the end of your case.
Serious felony cases can be handled with our sister firm, KC Defense Counsel.
Often, yes. Most Missouri speeding tickets are class C misdemeanors, careless and imprudent driving is a class B or class A misdemeanor, and charges like driving while suspended, DWI and leaving the scene can become felonies. A criminal traffic lawyer can keep these charges off your criminal record and your driving record.
| Criminal traffic charge | Missouri classification | Learn more |
|---|---|---|
| Speeding (absolute speed limit) | Usually a class C misdemeanor: up to 15 days and $750 | Speeding ticket lawyer |
| Careless and imprudent driving (CNI) | Class B misdemeanor; class A with an accident | CNI lawyer |
| Driving while suspended or revoked | Class D or class A misdemeanor; class E felony for some repeats | Suspended license lawyer |
| DWI (first offense) | Class B misdemeanor; felonies for repeat offenses | DUI / DWI lawyer |
| Leaving the scene of an accident | Class A misdemeanor; class E felony with injury, damage over $1,000 or a prior | Call (816) 398-8772 |
Yes, in most cases. A violation of a posted speed limit is generally a class C misdemeanor, with a maximum of 15 days in jail and a $750 fine, plus points on your license. Jail is rare, but the conviction still counts, which is why amending the ticket matters.
A criminal traffic lawyer reviews the stop and the evidence, negotiates with the prosecutor to reduce or amend the charge, appears in court for you when allowed, and works to avoid jail, points and a conviction on your record.
Missouri charges reckless driving as careless and imprudent driving under RSMo 304.012, a class B misdemeanor, or a class A misdemeanor if there was an accident.
It is strongly recommended. A Missouri misdemeanor can carry jail time (up to one year for a Class A misdemeanor), fines, probation and a permanent criminal record that shows up on background checks. A defense attorney can challenge the evidence, negotiate a reduced charge or diversion, and help you avoid a conviction where possible.
Municipal charges are violations of a city ordinance and are heard in a municipal court such as Kansas City Municipal Court. State charges are brought under Missouri statutes and are heard in the circuit court of the county, such as Jackson, Clay or Platte County. The court, the prosecutor and the possible penalties differ, so the defense strategy differs too.
Often, yes. Depending on the facts, your record and the court, charges can be dismissed for problems with the stop, search or evidence, or reduced through negotiation with the prosecutor. Some courts also offer diversion or suspended imposition of sentence (SIS), which can keep a conviction off your record if you complete probation.
Many Missouri misdemeanors and some felonies can be expunged after a waiting period if you meet the requirements, but some offenses, including many DWI and serious violent offenses, are not eligible. We review your record and tell you whether you qualify.
Adults 21 and over can legally possess limited amounts of marijuana under Missouri’s 2022 constitutional amendment. Possession over the legal limit, possession by someone under 21, driving while impaired and possession of other controlled substances can still be charged.
It depends on the charge and the court. We quote a flat fee upfront after a free consultation, so you know the cost before you hire us.
Call (816) 398-8772 or send us your ticket or case details for a free consultation.
Mission Statement
“To provide quality, competent, and effective legal representation at an affordable price as a criminal defense lawyer.”
Speedingticketkc.com is a modern Criminal Defense firm in the digital age with an old fashioned personal touch by our Criminal Defense Attorney.
Kansas City local Criminal Defense attorney Chris Simons handles your matter from beginning to end, giving each client his direct email and personal cell phone number. Learn more about the services we offer and about us.
Contact us if your ticket is not on this list so our traffic lawyer can be of assistance.
Contact us if your ticket is not on this list so our traffic lawyer can be of assistance.
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