The Different Classes Of Felonies

In the criminal justice system, felonies represent the most serious category of crimes. Unlike misdemeanors, felonies can lead to long-term imprisonment, substantial fines, and lasting social consequences. Felony classifications help determine the severity of the punishment and the type of crime committed.

Felonies are generally divided into classes, with each class denoting a different level of severity. These classifications vary slightly from state to state, but most U.S. States use a letter-based system or a degree-based system.

What Is A Felony?

A felony is a crime that is more serious than a misdemeanor and usually carries a minimum sentence of one year in state or federal prison. Felonies can involve violence, large-scale theft, drug trafficking, or repeated criminal behavior.

Key consequences of being convicted of a felony include imprisonment, large fines, loss of civil rights, and difficulty finding employment or housing

Why Are Felonies Classified?

Felony classifications serve two main purposes:
1. Standardize Sentencing: Courts can issue consistent and proportionate penalties.
2. Help With Plea Bargaining: Prosecutors and defense attorneys can better negotiate charges based on the classification.

Felony Classifications By Letter
Most states use letter-based classifications for felonies, ranging from Class A to Class E or F.

What Is A Class A Felony?

A Class A Felony is the most serious type of felony. It often includes crimes that involve intentional violence, death, or large-scale criminal activity.

Examples of Class A Felonies:

☑ First-degree murder

☑ Kidnapping with intent to harm or kill

☑ Aggravated rape

☑ Drug trafficking (large quantities)

☑ Terrorism

Penalties:

• Life imprisonment or death penalty
• Fines up to $250,000
• No possibility of parole in many cases

Class A felonies can lead to decades in prison, and in states with the death penalty, they may result in execution.

What Is A Class B Felony?

Class B Felonies are also extremely serious. They may involve violence, but not necessarily death, or they may involve high-level drug or financial crimes.

Examples:

☑ Voluntary manslaughter

☑ Armed robbery

☑ Drug distribution

☑ Certain types of sexual assault

☑ Burglary of an occupied dwelling

Penalties:

• 10 to 25 years in prison
• Fines up to $100,000
• Probation/parole restrictions

A conviction for a Class B felony usually means a long prison sentence and a permanent criminal record.

What Is A Class C Felony?

Class C Felonies are considered mid-level felonies. While still serious, these crimes may involve less violence, smaller amounts of drugs or money, or be first-time offenses.

Examples:

☑ Drug possession with intent to distribute

☑ Grand theft (over a certain amount)

☑ Aggravated assault (without a weapon)

☑ Forgery

☑ Arson causing property damage

Penalties:

• 5 to 10 years in prison
• Fines up to $50,000
• Possible probation or alternative sentencing

Depending on the circumstances and the offender’s record, some Class C felonies may be eligible for reduced sentencing or rehabilitation programs.

What Is A Class D Felony?

Class D Felonies are typically considered less serious but still carry substantial consequences. These crimes might not involve violence, but they still present a threat to public safety or involve criminal intent.

Examples:

☑ DUI with injury

☑ Credit card fraud

☑ Felony-level shoplifting

☑ Possession of stolen property

☑ Reckless endangerment

Penalties:

• 2 to 7 years in prison
• Fines up to $10,000
• Probation or community supervision

Class D felonies are often charged for non-violent crimes or repeat misdemeanor-level offenses elevated to felony status.

What Is A Class E Felony?

Class E Felonies (or sometimes Class F, depending on the state) are the least serious felony category. These crimes may involve minor injury, small-scale theft, or non-violent offenses.

Examples:

☑ Theft of property above a certain value (e.g., $500–$1,000)

☑ Unauthorized use of a vehicle

☑ Possession of small amounts of drugs in states where it's still a felony

☑ Unlawful firearm possession

☑ Negligent injury

Penalties:

• 1 to 5 years in prison
• Fines up to $5,000
• Community service, probation, or deferred sentencing

Though less severe, Class E felonies are still crimes with long-term impacts, especially if not expunged.

States With Different Systems: Degrees Instead of Classes

Some states, like California and Florida, use a degree-based system instead of letters.

First-Degree Felony:

☑ Equivalent to Class A or B

☑ E.g., murder, rape, kidnapping

☑ Up to life in prison

Second-Degree Felony:

☑ E.g., armed burglary, aggravated battery

☑ Typically 15–30 years in prison

Third-Degree Felony:

☑ Equivalent to Class D or E

☑ E.g., drug possession, low-level theft

☑ Up to 5 years in prison

Federal Felony Classes

At the federal level, felonies are categorized as Class A through E:

Class A: Life imprisonment or death
Class B: 5 years or more
Class C: 10 to 25 years
Class D: 5 to 10 years
Class E: 1 to 5 years

Federal crimes may include interstate drug trafficking, white-collar crimes, terrorism, and civil rights violations.

How Felony Class Impacts Your Record

The class of felony not only affects your punishment but also how employers, landlords, and courts view your criminal history. Higher-class felonies are less likely to be expunged or sealed and may impact immigration status, professional licenses, or child custody cases.

Can a Felony Be Reduced or Expunged?

In some states, a felony may be:

• Reduced to a misdemeanor
• Expunged or sealed after a certain time
• Reclassified due to changes in law

However, Class A and B felonies are almost never eligible for these relief options.

Know The Law In Your State

Felony classifications play a critical role in the justice system. Understanding what each class of felony means can help individuals make informed decisions when facing criminal charges or navigating the legal system.

Always consult a criminal defense attorney if you're facing felony charges. The penalties can be life-altering, and legal representation is key to protecting your rights.

Using our people search, you can retrieve information regarding past convictions, including felonies, and then check what type or class of felony was involved.