Felony convictions result in serious punishments, including prison time and large monetary fines. Understanding the different felony classifications can help prepare you for the potential penalties that accompany the charges and strengthen your defense.
Classifications and penalties
Felonies are divided into different classes, depending on the severity of the offense. Each class carries different sentencing punishments. Prior convictions will also impact charges and sentencing.
- Class IV: The least serious classification of felony. This class includes crimes such as assisted suicide and forgery in the second degree. Class IV felonies carry a possible punishment of up to two years in prison and 12 month post-release supervision and/or up to a $10,000 fine.
- Class IIIA: Felonies in this class include crimes such as terroristic threats, the manufacture or distribution of certain drugs and criminal child enticement. Class IIIA felonies carry a possible punishment of up to three years in prison and 18 month post-release supervision and/or up to a $10,000 fine.
- Class III: Crimes in this class are forgery in the first degree, strangulation, sexual assault in the second degree and manufacture or distribution of certain drugs. Class III felonies carry a possible punishment of up to four years in prison and two year post-release supervision and/or up to a $25,000 fine.
- Class IIA: Manslaughter, assault in the second degree and burglary constitute as Class IIA felonies. Class IIA felonies carry a possible punishment of up to twenty years in prison.
- Class II: Felonies in the class include human trafficking, assault in the first degree, sexual assault in the first degree and robbery. Class II felonies carry a possible punishment of up to fifty years in prison.
- Class ID: The assault of a police officer or health care professional is a Class ID felony. Class ID felonies carry a possible punishment of up to fifty years in prison.
- Class IC: Crimes in this class include use of a firearm to commit a felony and possession of certain amounts of illegal substances. Class IC felonies carry a possible punishment of up to fifty years in prison.
- Class IB: Sexual assault of a child in the first degree and aggravated assault are Class IB felonies. Class IB felonies carry a possible punishment of life in prison.
- Class IA: Kidnapping and murder are both Class IA felonies. Class IA felonies carry a possible punishment of life in prison.
- Class I: The most serious type of felony, generally murder in the first degree. The punishment for Class I felonies is the death penalty.
If facing felony charge it is important to work with your criminal defense attorney to determine the best course of action. As mentioned above, the different classes of felonies and potential penalties range in severity and a guilty plea or verdict would have serious ramifications. Felony charges make it difficult to find a job, get loans and even rent an apartment. In addition, convicted felons lose civic rights including the right to vote and bear arms.