FAQs

Q. HOW ARE CRIMINAL OFFENSES CLASSIFIED AND WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE PUNISHMENTS?
Q. WHY WOULD I CHOOSE TO USE A REAL ESTATE ATTORNEY INSTEAD OF A REAL ESTATE AGENT?

Q. HOW ARE CRIMINAL OFFENSES CLASSIFIED AND WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE PUNISHMENTS?

Offenders are classified as follows:
First Time Offender- one who has NEVER pleaded guilty or been found guilty of any felonies.
Prior Offender- One who has pleaded guilty or been found guilty of ONE felony.
Persistent Offender- One who has pleaded guilty to or has been found guilty of TWO or more felonies committed at different times.
Dangerous Offender- One who (1) is being sentenced for a felony during the commission of which he knowingly murdered or endangered or threatened the life of another person or knowingly inflicted or attempted or threatened to inflict serious physical injury on another person; and (2) has pleaded guilty to or has been found guilty of a Class A or B felony or a dangerous felony.Offense Level First Time Offender and Prior Offender Persistent Offender and Dangerous Offender
Class A Felony 10 - 30 years or life 10-30 years or life
Class B Felony 5 - 15 years 5-30 years
Class C Felony 1 day - 7 years; up to $5,000 fine 1 day - 20 years
Class D Felony 1 day - 5 years; up to $1,000 fine 1 day - 10 years
Class A Misdemeanor 1 day - 1 year; up to $1,000 fine N/A
Class B Misdemeanor 1 day - 6 months or up to $500 fine N/A
Class C Misdemeanor 1 day - 15 days or up to $300 fine N/A

Q. WHY WOULD I CHOOSE TO USE A REAL ESTATE ATTORNEY INSTEAD OF A REAL ESTATE AGENT?

There are two simple factors that should cause you to utilize an attorney to assist you in selling, purchasing and closing the sale of real property.

First, an attorney can assist you in every step of the real estate transaction. For example, a real estate agent cannot advise the public on their rights regarding contract law, interpret legal documents or provide an opinion regarding an owner’s title. In Missouri, a real estate agent is limited to the use of sale contracts previously approved by the Missouri Real Estate Commission or a private attorney. A dispute over earnest money or existing liens may require an attorney to resolve them. If an attorney is retained at the inception of a real estate sale, all such problems can be handled as they arise and may possibly be prevented in the first place.

Second, and perhaps most importantly, price is a factor. A typical real estate closing involving agents results in 7% of the total sale price being paid out in commissions! Most attorneys can provide legal advice on the sale, provide contracts and other legal documents and even assist in closing the sale for a fraction of that cost. The peace of mind in knowing whatever may arise can be handled by your real estate attorney could be worth more than their bill. Remember, the “golden rule” in real estate is to get more for less money.

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