Code Sections

In Missouri, sexual misconduct is a crime that's divided into three types with varying degrees of seriousness and accompanying penalties. The behaviors made illegal are:

• Missouri Revised Statutes (MRS) Section 566.093 - Sexual Misconduct in the First Degree: Exposing one's genitals knowing it will likely alarm another, having sexual contact in the presence of others knowing it will likely alarm them, or having sex in a public place in presence of another person or persons
• MRS Section 566.094 - Sexual Misconduct in the Second Degree: Requesting sexual conduct from another person in a way that will likely cause alarm, also known as solicitation
• MRS Section 566.083 - Sexual Misconduct Involving a Child: Exposing one's genitals to a child under 15 years old knowing it will likely alarm them or for the sexual gratification of any person, coercing a child of under 15 to expose their genitals for the sexual gratification of any person including the child, or coercing a girl of less than 15 years old to expose her breasts over the internet or throughother electronic means, such as text, for the sexual gratification of anyone

Penalty Levels

Penalties vary depending on the defendant's conduct and other factors, including the age of the victim and any prior convictions:

• Class C felony - sexual misconduct involving a child with a prior sex offense conviction
• Class D felony - sexual misconduct involving a child without a prior sex offense conviction
• Class A misdemeanor - 1st degree sexual misconduct with prior conviction
• Class B misdemeanor - 1st degree sexual misconduct without a prior conviction
• Class C misdemeanor - 2nd degree sexual misconduct

Penalties

Punishments for felonies and misdemeanors in Missouri vary by class. The crimes above are subject to the following penalties:

• Class C felony - imprisonment for 7 years or less and up to a $5,000 fine
• Class D felony - imprisonment for 4 years or less and up to a $5,000 fine
• Class A misdemeanor - jail for 1 year or less and up to a $1,000 fine
• Class B misdemeanor - jail for up to 6 months and up to a $500 fine
• Class C misdemeanor - jail for up to 15 days and up to a $300 fine