What is the maximum sentence for assault in Missouri?

Under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 565.056 (Class E Felony (general); Class D Felony (special victim)), Missouri assault carries a maximum sentence of 4 years (Class E); 7 years (Class D) and a maximum fine of $10,000.

Does Missouri have a mandatory minimum for assault?

Missouri does not impose a blanket mandatory minimum for simple assault. Specific charges or enhancements may carry their own minimums.

What factors enhance a assault charge in Missouri?

In Missouri, assault penalties can be enhanced by: Special victim (law enforcement, elderly, disabled, etc.).

Missouri Assault Law

Missouri Assault Defense

What you're facing under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 565.056, how the penalties scale, and the questions your attorney needs to answer, specific to Missouri (MO) law.

Offense Class

Class E Felony (general); Class D Felony (special victim)

Maximum Penalty

4 years (Class E); 7 years (Class D)

Maximum Fine

$10,000

Penalty Range in Missouri

StatuteMo. Rev. Stat. § 565.056 — Assault in the Third Degree

Minimum Penalty

Maximum Penalty4 years (Class E); 7 years (Class D)

Maximum Fine$10,000

Charge Enhancements

These factors can elevate the charge or penalty in Missouri:

Special victim (law enforcement, elderly, disabled, etc.)

Missouri-Specific Detail

Third-degree assault is the general simple assault charge. Fourth-degree (§ 565.058) is a Class A Misdemeanor.

Is your Missouri assault case defense on track?

The free Defense Score checks 10 critical defense behaviors specific to assault cases. Takes 2 minutes. Instant results.

Take the Free Defense Score

DUI Defense Playbook — $127

26 questions that change how the next attorney meeting goes, a case stage roadmap, red flag checklist, and a case progress scorecard. Instant PDF download, relevant to Missouri defendants.

Get the Playbook — $127

Important: This page provides legal INFORMATION about Missouri assault possession law as of the date of publication. Laws change frequently. This is not legal advice. The analysis draws on methods developed by defense attorneys, applied to public data. Your attorney remains the final authority on defense direction.