One of the first questions clients ask is, “How much of this sentence will I actually serve?” Missouri’s answer is about to change. Senate Bill 888, approved by the governor in April 2026, rewrites Missouri parole eligibility starting Jan. 1, 2028.
Quick answer: For felonies committed on or after Jan. 1, 2028, Missouri parole eligibility will turn mainly on the felony class. Class A offenders must serve 70% of the sentence and Class B offenders 50%, under the new version of section 558.011. Class C, D and E percentages depend on prior offenses. Dangerous felonies require 85%. Offenses committed before 2028 stay under the current rules.
What is Missouri parole eligibility?
Parole eligibility is the earliest point at which the parole board can consider releasing you. It is not a release date. The board can still deny parole and keep you longer, up to the full sentence.
Today, the minimum time served mostly depends on how many prior prison commitments you have. SB 888 replaces that system with fixed percentages tied to the felony class.
What are the new Missouri parole eligibility percentages under SB 888?
The table shows the minimum share of a prison sentence you must serve before parole eligibility, for offenses committed on or after Jan. 1, 2028.
| Felony class | Prison range | Minimum served before parole |
|---|---|---|
| Dangerous felony | Varies | 85% |
| Class A | 10 to 30 years, or life | 70% |
| Class B | 5 to 15 years | 50% |
| Class C | 3 to 10 years | 30% first, 35% second, 50% third or more (40% for sex-offender registration offenses) |
| Class D | Up to 7 years | 20% first, 25% second, 50% third or more (25% for sex-offender registration offenses) |
| Class E | Up to 4 years | 15% first, 20% second, 50% third or more (25% for sex-offender registration offenses) |
Two more rules matter for the math. A life sentence counts as 30 years. Any sentence over 75 years counts as 75 years.
How do concurrent and consecutive sentences work under SB 888?
For concurrent sentences, you must serve the required percentage of the longest sentence. For consecutive sentences, you must serve the required percentage of each one, back to back. Our post on concurrent and consecutive sentences explains the difference.
If the court sentences you as a prior or persistent offender within a higher class’s range, the higher class’s percentage applies. SB 888 also requires courts to impose the extended term when the legal conditions are met, instead of leaving it to the judge.
Which crimes count as dangerous felonies now?
Dangerous felonies already included crimes like murder and first-degree assault. SB 888 adds:
- First-degree statutory rape and statutory sodomy, with no victim-under-12 requirement
- Abuse through forced labor and certain trafficking offenses
- First- and second-degree sexual trafficking of a child
- A third failure to register as a sex offender
- First-degree endangering the welfare of a child
A dangerous felony requires 85% of the sentence before parole eligibility.
What else changes in 2028?
Conditional release
Conditional release will no longer apply to certain Class A and B felonies committed after Jan. 1, 2028. It is also removed for certain sex offenses and offenses involving children.
Jail time credit
Also starting Jan. 1, 2028, the court must record the days you spent in custody before sentencing. Credit runs from when you were charged and the warrant was served, and it includes house arrest. Time out on bond does not count. You can challenge a credit error by habeas corpus.
Does SB 888 change anything for cases pending now?
The new percentages apply only to offenses committed on or after Jan. 1, 2028. If your offense happened before then, the current rules still decide your parole eligibility, even if you are sentenced later.
SB 888 changed other parts of Missouri law too, including when juveniles can be certified for adult court. Talk to a lawyer about which rules apply to your offense date.
How can a lawyer reduce the time you serve?
The felony class you plead or are found guilty of now drives the percentage directly. That makes the charge itself the most important number in the case. A defense lawyer can:
- Fight for a lower felony class or a misdemeanor in plea negotiations
- Challenge prior or persistent offender findings
- Argue for concurrent rather than consecutive sentences
- Present the sentencing factors that support probation
If you are already on probation, a probation violation hearing is also a chance to keep a prison sentence from being executed. You may also qualify for earned compliance credits.
Frequently asked questions
When does SB 888 change Missouri parole eligibility?
The new percentages in section 558.011 apply to offenses committed on or after Jan. 1, 2028. Earlier offenses stay under the current rules.
How much of a Class B felony sentence will I serve in Missouri?
For a Class B felony committed on or after Jan. 1, 2028, you must serve 50% before parole eligibility. The parole board can still hold you longer.
What does 85% mean for a dangerous felony?
You must serve at least 85% of the prison sentence before you can be paroled. On a 10-year sentence, that is 8.5 years.
Does parole eligibility mean I will be released?
No. Missouri parole eligibility is only the earliest date the parole board can consider release. The board decides whether you actually go home.
Talk to a St. Louis lawyer about Missouri parole eligibility
Under SB 888, the felony class decides most of your Missouri parole eligibility, so the charge matters more than ever. Brian J. Cooke fights to reduce charges and sentences in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County and surrounding counties. See our felony offenses and penalties guide, call (314) 439-8501, or contact us online.
This post gives general information about Missouri law as of October 2026. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship.
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