What Is an SIS in Missouri?
If you are dealing with criminal charges in Missouri, you may have heard your attorney or the prosecutor mention an “SIS.” It sounds like legal jargon, but understanding what it means could be one of the most important things in your case — because an SIS can keep a conviction off your record.
SIS Stands for Suspended Imposition of Sentence
When a judge grants an SIS, they accept your guilty plea but do not enter a conviction on your record. Instead, you are placed on probation for a set period (typically two to five years). If you successfully complete probation without any violations, the case is dismissed and no conviction ever appears on your criminal record.
This is different from an SES (Suspended Execution of Sentence), where the judge enters a conviction on your record but suspends the jail or prison time and places you on probation instead. With an SES, even if you complete probation successfully, the conviction remains on your record.
Why an SIS Matters
• No conviction on your record: If you complete probation, there is no criminal conviction to show on background checks
• Employment and housing: A clean record means you can truthfully answer “no” on applications that ask about criminal convictions
• Professional licensing: Many professional licenses require a clean record, and an SIS helps preserve your eligibility
• Future legal matters: A case resolved with an SIS is treated more favorably if you ever face charges again
When Is an SIS Available?
An SIS is available for most misdemeanors and many felonies in Missouri. However, there are important exceptions. An SIS is not available for certain DWI offenses (specifically, if your BAC was 0.15% or higher and a DWI court or treatment program is available in the jurisdiction), Class A felonies, and certain other offenses where the statute specifically prohibits it.
Whether the prosecutor and judge will agree to an SIS depends on the facts of your case, your criminal history, and the skill of your defense attorney in negotiations.
What Happens If You Violate Probation on an SIS
If you violate the terms of your probation while on an SIS, the judge can revoke the SIS, enter a conviction, and sentence you to any penalty allowed by law for the original charge. This is why it is critical to take the terms of probation seriously and comply fully.
If you are facing criminal charges and want to understand whether an SIS is possible in your case, call Lee Law Firm at (314) 708-1720 for a free consultation.