Lesson 12; Classes of Crimes
Crimes are classified according to their level of severity. In most states, minor crimes are
considered infractions. These crimes are generally violations of municipal codes or
ordinances. They are not considered criminal offenses, but they are heard by a judge and
if guilt is found, a monetary fine is usually imposed.
The next class of crimes are misdemeanors. Misdemeanors in most states are separated
by offense seriousness. Class A misdemeanor is punishable by no more than three years
in prison and or a fine of no more than twenty five hundred dollars. Class b
misdemeanor is punishable by no more than two years in prison and or a fine of no
more than fifteen hundred dollars.
Class c misdemeanor is punishable by no more than one year in prison and or a fine of
no more than one thousand dollars.
Felonies are the most serious of crimes in all states. Class A felonies are the highest level
punishable by thirty years in prison. The sentence of felonies decreases by five years,
with each descending class. b - twenty five years, c - twenty years, d - fifteen years, e -
ten years, f - five years. In some states murder falls into the class of an exempt felony,
punishable by thirty years to life, or punishable by death.
It is important for a law enforcement officer to be familiar with their jurisdictions'
classifications system as states differ. When an arrest is made and an officer seeks to
obtain an arrest warrant, it is the officer's duty to know which charge to seek according
to the elements of the crime.
Crimes are classified according to their level of severity. In most states, minor crimes are
considered infractions. These crimes are generally violations of municipal codes or
ordinances. They are not considered criminal offenses, but they are heard by a judge and
if guilt is found, a monetary fine is usually imposed.
The next class of crimes are misdemeanors. Misdemeanors in most states are separated
by offense seriousness. Class A misdemeanor is punishable by no more than three years
in prison and or a fine of no more than twenty five hundred dollars. Class b
misdemeanor is punishable by no more than two years in prison and or a fine of no
more than fifteen hundred dollars.
Class c misdemeanor is punishable by no more than one year in prison and or a fine of
no more than one thousand dollars.
Felonies are the most serious of crimes in all states. Class A felonies are the highest level
punishable by thirty years in prison. The sentence of felonies decreases by five years,
with each descending class. b - twenty five years, c - twenty years, d - fifteen years, e -
ten years, f - five years. In some states murder falls into the class of an exempt felony,
punishable by thirty years to life, or punishable by death.
It is important for a law enforcement officer to be familiar with their jurisdictions'
classifications system as states differ. When an arrest is made and an officer seeks to
obtain an arrest warrant, it is the officer's duty to know which charge to seek according
to the elements of the crime.
