Classification of Federal Crimes
If you are charged with a federal offense, you will want to know how serious it is. Whether it is a violent offense, drug offense, or white collar crime, the type of offense with which you are charged, along with your criminal history, can determine the possible penalty you might face.
Federal felony offenses are divided into five classes. They are:
- Class A felonies are offenses punishable by a maximum sentence of life imprisonment or, in certain instances, death. They are normally violent felonies, such as federal murder;
- Class B felonies are offenses punishable by a maximum sentence of twenty-five years or more in prison;
- Class C felonies are offenses punishable by a maximum sentence ten or more, but less than twenty-five, years imprisonment;
- Class D felonies are offenses punishable by a maximum sentence of five or more, but less than ten, years imprisonment; and
- Class E felonies are offenses punishable by a maximum sentence of more than one year, but less than five years, imprisonment.
Federal misdemeanor offenses are divided into three classes. They are:
- Class A misdemeanors are offenses punishable by one year or less, but more than six months, imprisonment;
- Class B misdemeanors are offenses punishable by six months or less, but more than thirty days, imprisonment;
- Class C misdemeanors are offenses punishable by thirty days or less, but more than five days, imprisonment.
Federal infractions are any offenses punishable by five days or less imprisonment or with no imprisonment. Such offenses can include speeding tickets in national parks or national forests.
If you are charged with any federal offense, contact the Lexington Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys at GMA to assist you.