If someone is found guilty of a crime, they cannot lose rights or privileges just because of that conviction — unless the loss is directly connected to the punishment, required by law or the constitution, or makes sense based on the type of crime committed. Also, using a past conviction as evidence in court or to question a witness's honesty does not count as one of those punishments.
561.016. Basis of or . — 1. No person shall suffer any legal disqualification or disability because of a or of an or the sentence on his conviction, unless the disqualification or disability involves the deprivation of a right or which is:
(1) to of the sentence of the court; or
(2) Provided by the Constitution or the code; or
(3) Provided by a other than the code, when the conviction is of an offense defined by such statute; or
(4) Provided by the , or of a court, agency or official exercising a conferred by law, or by the statute defining such jurisdiction, when the or the conviction or the sentence is reasonably related to the of the individual to exercise the right or privilege of which he or she is deprived.
2. of a conviction as relevant evidence upon the trial or of any , or for the purpose of the person as a witness, is not a disqualification or disability within the meaning of this chapter.
Tap any gold-underlined word to see what it means.
Source & history notes
(L. 1977 S.B. 60, A.L. 2014 S.B. 491) Effective 1-01-17
Related Missouri laws
Forfeiture of public office
RSMo 561.021
Disqualification from voting and jury service
RSMo 561.026
Physical appearance in court of a prisoner may be made by using two-way audio-visual communication including closed circuit television, when
RSMo 561.031
Voluntary act
RSMo 562.011
Attempt
RSMo 562.012
Conspiracy, offense of
RSMo 562.014
Legal information, not legal advice. Always confirm with the official source at revisor.mo.gov.