Felony Classes and Sentences by State (2026)
How each state grades felonies and the maximum prison terms for each class.
| State | Felony classes and maximum sentences |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Alabama grades felonies as Class A, B, C and D. Class A: not less than ten (10) years and not more than life or ninety-nine (99) years in the state penitentiary, and may include a fine not to exceed $60,000. Class B: not less than two (2) years and not more than twenty (20) years, and may include a fine not to exceed $30,000. Class C: not less than one (1) year and one (1) day and not more than ten (10) years, and may include a fine not to exceed $15,000. Class D: not more than 5 years or less than 1 year and 1 day, and may include a fine not to exceed $7,500. Enhancements: a Class A felony in which a firearm or deadly weapon was used or attempted to be used carries not less than 20 years, and a Class B or C felony with a firearm or deadly weapon not less than 10 years; a Class A felony criminal sex offense involving a child under 12 or child pornography carries not less than 20 years, and a Class B felony sex offense not less than 10 years. For Class C and D felonies with a sentence of not more than 15 years, Section 15-18-8(b) generally requires a split sentence with confinement for a period not exceeding two years followed by probation not exceeding three years. Ala. Code 1975 §§ 13A-5-6, 13A-5-11, 15-18-8(b); Alabama Unified Judicial System Form CR-51 (Rev. 1/2019, offenses on or after January 30, 2016) |
| Alaska | Alaska felonies are unclassified (the most serious, with the longest possible sentences) and Class A, B and C. A class A felony may be punished by a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a maximum fine of $250,000. A class B felony carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and maximum fine of $100,000. A class C felony is punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000. Felony fines can reach $500,000, depending on the type of crime. AS 12.55.035, 12.55.125; Alaska Dept. of Law, Op. Att'y Gen. JU2009-200-397 (May 27, 2009); Alaska Court System Self-Help Center |
| Arizona | Arizona grades felonies as classes 1 through 6. Class 1 (first degree murder) is punishable by death or life imprisonment as provided by sections 13-751 and 13-752. For first-time, non-dangerous felony offenders the prison terms are (mitigated / minimum / presumptive / maximum / aggravated): Class 2: 3 years / 4 years / 5 years / 10 years / 12.5 years. Class 3: 2 years / 2.5 years / 3.5 years / 7 years / 8.75 years. Class 4: 1 year / 1.5 years / 2.5 years / 3 years / 3.75 years. Class 5: .5 years / .75 years / 1.5 years / 2 years / 2.5 years. Class 6: .33 years / .5 years / 1 year / 1.5 years / 2 years. Longer ranges apply to repetitive and dangerous offenders. A fine for a felony may not exceed one hundred fifty thousand dollars. A.R.S. §§ 13-702(D), 13-801(A), 13-1105(D) |
| Arkansas | Arkansas grades felonies as Class Y, A, B, C and D, plus unclassified felonies. Standard punishment ranges: Class Y 10-40 years or life; Class A 6-30 years, up to $15,000; Class B 5-20 years, up to $15,000; Class C 3-10 years, up to $10,000; Class D 0-6 years, up to $10,000; unclassified felonies as specified in the statute. Under Act 662 of 2025, capital rape (sexual intercourse or deviate sexual activity with a person 13 or younger under listed aggravating circumstances) is punishable by death or life imprisonment without parole if the defendant was 18 or older. Ark. Code §§ 5-4-201, 5-4-401; Act 662 of 2025 (§ 5-14-114); Arkansas Sentencing Commission, Impact Assessment for SB300 (prepared 3/4/2025) |
| California | California does not group felonies into lettered classes; each statute sets its own term, usually as a 'triad' of lower, middle and upper terms. The default rule: "Except in cases where a different punishment is prescribed by any law of this state, every offense declared to be a felony is punishable by imprisonment for 16 months, or two or three years in the state prison unless the offense is punishable pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170" (in which case the term is served in county jail). Many offenses are 'wobblers' that can be charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor. Cal. Penal Code §§ 18(a), 1170(h) |
| Colorado | For felonies committed on or after July 1, 2020, felonies are divided into six classes with these presumptive ranges (minimum / maximum / mandatory parole): Class 1: life imprisonment / no parole period. Class 2: eight years / twenty-four years / five years if a crime of violence, otherwise three years. Class 3: four years / twelve years / three years. Class 4: two years / six years / three years. Class 5: one year / three years / two years. Class 6: one year / eighteen months / one year. Fines (in addition to or instead of imprisonment): Class 1 no fine; Class 2 $5,000 to one million dollars; Class 3 $3,000 to seven hundred fifty thousand dollars; Class 4 $2,000 to five hundred thousand dollars; Classes 5 and 6 $1,000 to one hundred thousand dollars. Drug felonies are graded separately (levels 1-4) under § 18-1.3-401.5, and sentences can exceed the presumptive range for crimes of violence and aggravating circumstances. C.R.S. § 18-1.3-401(1)(a)(III)(A), (1)(a)(V.5)(A) |
| Connecticut | A felony is an offense punishable by more than one year of imprisonment. Felonies are classified as Class A, B, C, D, E, unclassified, and capital felonies (under § 53a-54b as in effect before April 25, 2012). Prison terms (§ 53a-35a): Class A felony (other than murder and other specially listed offenses) — not less than ten years nor more than twenty-five years; Class B felony (other than first-degree manslaughter with a firearm) — not less than one year nor more than twenty years; Class C — not less than one year nor more than ten years; Class D — not more than five years; Class E — not more than three years. Maximum fines (§ 53a-41), unless the defining statute says otherwise: Class A — $20,000; Class B — $15,000; Class C — $10,000; Class D — $5,000; Class E — $3,500; unclassified — as the defining statute specifies. Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 53a-25, 53a-35a, 53a-41 |
| Delaware | Felonies are graded Class A through G, with Level V (prison) terms under § 4205(b): Class A — not less than 15 years up to life imprisonment; Class B — not less than 2 years up to 25 years; Class C — up to 15 years; Class D — up to 8 years; Class E — up to 5 years; Class F — up to 3 years; Class G — up to 2 years. No Level V sentence under this section is subject to parole. The statute does not set fixed felony fine caps; in addition to the prison penalties, 'the court may impose such fines and penalties as it deems appropriate' (§ 4205(k)). 11 Del. C. § 4205(b), (j), (k) |
| District of Columbia | The D.C. Code sets the prison term in each offense's own section rather than through lettered felony classes. Maximum fines are keyed to the offense's maximum prison term (§ 22-3571.01(b)): $12,500 if punishable by 5 years or less but more than one year; $25,000 if 10 years or less but more than 5 years; $37,500 if 15 years or less but more than 10 years; $50,000 if 20 years or less but more than 15 years; $75,000 if 30 years or less but more than 20 years; $125,000 if more than 30 years; $250,000 if the offense resulted in death. D.C. Code § 22-3571.01(b) |
| Florida | Felonies are classified as capital felony, life felony, and felonies of the first, second and third degree; a felony with no degree specified is of the third degree (§ 775.081). Terms (§ 775.082): capital felony — death, otherwise life imprisonment without parole; life felony (committed on or after July 1, 1995) — imprisonment for life or a term of years not exceeding life; first degree — not exceeding 30 years (or, when specifically provided by statute, a term of years not exceeding life); second degree — not exceeding 15 years; third degree — not exceeding 5 years. Fines (§ 775.083): life felony — $15,000; first or second degree — $10,000; third degree — $5,000. Fla. Stat. §§ 775.081, 775.082, 775.083 |
| Georgia | Georgia does not sort felonies into numbered classes or degrees. The code defines a felony as 'a crime punishable by death, by imprisonment for life, or by imprisonment for more than 12 months,' and each crime's own statute sets its prison range. For example, theft of property worth more than $24,999.99 is punished 'by imprisonment for not less than two nor more than 20 years' (§ 16-8-12(a)(1)(A)), and possession of less than 1 gram of a Schedule I or narcotic Schedule II drug 'by imprisonment for not less than one nor more than three years' (§ 16-13-30(c)). O.C.G.A. §§ 16-1-3 (definition of felony); 16-8-12(a)(1)(A); 16-13-30(c) |
| Hawaii | Crimes are of three grades: felonies, misdemeanors and petty misdemeanors. Felonies include murder and attempted murder in the first and second degrees and Class A, B and C felonies (§ 701-107). Class A felony: an indeterminate term of imprisonment of twenty years, without suspension of sentence or probation (with exceptions for certain drug and other offenses) (§ 706-659). Class B felony: ten years; Class C felony: five years (§ 706-660(1)). The paroling authority sets the minimum term. Maximum fines (§ 706-640(1)): Class A felony (and first- or second-degree murder or attempted murder) — $50,000; Class B — $25,000; Class C — $10,000. Haw. Rev. Stat. §§ 701-107, 706-640, 706-659, 706-660 |
| Idaho | Idaho does not sort felonies into lettered classes; each statute sets its own penalty. A felony is a crime punishable with death or by imprisonment in the state prison. Except where a different punishment is prescribed, every felony is punishable by imprisonment in the state prison not exceeding five (5) years, or by a fine not exceeding fifty thousand dollars ($50,000), or both. Idaho Code §§ 18-111, 18-112 |
| Illinois | Illinois grades felonies as first degree murder, Class X, and Classes 1, 2, 3 and 4. Prison terms: Class X 6 to 30 years (extended term 30 to 60; no probation); Class 1 4 to 15 years (second degree murder 4 to 20; extended term 15 to 30); Class 2 3 to 7 years (extended term 7 to 14); Class 3 2 to 5 years (extended term 5 to 10); Class 4 1 to 3 years (extended term 3 to 6). Probation can be up to 4 years for Class 1 and 2 felonies and up to 30 months for Class 3 and 4 felonies. Felony fines can be up to $25,000 per offense or the amount specified in the offense, whichever is greater. 730 ILCS 5/5-4.5-25, -30, -35, -40, -45, -50(b) |
| Indiana | Indiana grades felonies as murder and Levels 1 through 6 (for crimes committed after June 30, 2014), each with a fixed term between a minimum and maximum, an advisory sentence, and a possible fine of not more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000). Murder: between forty-five (45) and sixty-five (65) years, advisory fifty-five (55) years; a person at least eighteen may instead be sentenced to death or life imprisonment without parole, and a person at least sixteen but under eighteen to life imprisonment without parole, under § 35-50-2-9. Level 1: between twenty (20) and forty (40) years, advisory thirty (30) years (between twenty (20) and fifty (50) years for certain Level 1 child molesting offenses). Level 2: between ten (10) and thirty (30) years, advisory seventeen and one-half (17 1/2) years. Level 3: between three (3) and sixteen (16) years, advisory nine (9) years. Level 4: between two (2) and twelve (12) years, advisory six (6) years. Level 5: between one (1) and six (6) years, advisory three (3) years. Level 6: between six (6) months and two and one-half (2 1/2) years, advisory one (1) year; the court may enter a Level 6 felony as a Class A misdemeanor, with listed exceptions. Ind. Code §§ 35-50-2-3, 35-50-2-4, 35-50-2-4.5, 35-50-2-5, 35-50-2-5.5, 35-50-2-6, 35-50-2-7 |
| Iowa | Iowa grades felonies as class A, B, C and D. Class A: commitment to the custody of the department of corrections for the rest of the defendant's life, with no parole unless the governor commutes the sentence (different options apply to first-degree murder committed under age eighteen). Unless a statute prescribes otherwise: class B felon, confinement for no more than twenty-five years; class C felon, no more than ten years plus a fine of at least $1,370 but not more than $13,660; class D felon, no more than five years plus a fine of at least $1,025 but not more than $10,245. An habitual offender may be confined for no more than fifteen years. Surcharges are added on top of these fines. Iowa Code §§ 902.1, 902.9 (Iowa Code 2026) |
| Kansas | Kansas sentences most felonies on sentencing grids that combine the crime's severity level with the offender's criminal history category (A through I). Nondrug felonies have severity levels I through X (drug felonies have their own grid with levels 1 through 5; some crimes are off-grid). On the nondrug grid, ranges run from 147-165 months (level I, category I, no record) up to 592-653 months (level I, category A); level X ranges from 5-7 months (categories G-I) up to 11-13 months (category A). The judge may sentence anywhere within the grid box. Blocks below the dispositional line carry presumptive probation (nonimprisonment) and blocks above it presumptive imprisonment. Maximum fines: off-grid felonies $500,000; nondrug severity levels 1-5 $300,000; nondrug levels 6-10 $100,000; drug felonies committed on or after July 1, 2012: levels 1-2 $500,000, levels 3-4 $300,000, level 5 $100,000. K.S.A. 21-6804 (nondrug grid; last amended L. 2024, ch. 91, § 2) and 21-6611(b) |
| Kentucky | Felonies are Class A through D. Unless otherwise provided by law, the authorized terms are: Class A — not less than 20 years nor more than 50 years, or life imprisonment; Class B — not less than 10 nor more than 20 years; Class C — not less than 5 nor more than 10 years; Class D — not less than 1 nor more than 5 years. Felony sentences are indeterminate (§ 532.060). Fines: except as otherwise provided for an offense defined outside the code, a person convicted of any felony shall be sentenced to pay a fine of not less than $1,000 and not greater than $10,000 or double his gain from the offense, whichever is greater; fines are not imposed on a person the court determines to be indigent (§ 534.030). KRS 532.060(2); KRS 534.030 |
| Louisiana | Louisiana's Criminal Code does not group felonies into numbered classes. A 'felony' is any crime for which an offender may be sentenced to death or imprisonment at hard labor; the maximum prison term and fine are set in each offense's own statute (for example, theft of $25,000 or more carries imprisonment at hard labor for not more than 20 years and a fine of not more than $50,000, R.S. 14:67(B)(1)). La. R.S. 14:2(A)(4); R.S. 14:67(B) |
| Maine | Maine's Criminal Code does not use the terms felony and misdemeanor; '[e]xcept for murder, all crimes defined by this Code are classified for purposes of sentencing as Class A, Class B, Class C, Class D and Class E crimes' (§ 4). The more serious classes, unless a different maximum is specified by statute: Class A — maximum 30 years imprisonment and fine up to $50,000; Class B — 10 years and $20,000; Class C — 5 years and $5,000. Murder: imprisonment for life or for any term of years that is not less than 25 (§ 1603). 17-A M.R.S. §§ 4, 1603, 1604(1), 1704 |
| Maryland | Maryland does not grade felonies into numbered classes in the statutes reviewed; each offense statute states whether the crime is a felony or misdemeanor and sets its own maximum prison term and fine. Example (theft): $1,500 to under $25,000 — felony, up to 5 years and/or a fine up to $10,000; $25,000 to under $100,000 — felony, up to 10 years and/or $15,000; $100,000 or more — felony, up to 20 years and/or $25,000. Md. Code, Crim. Law § 7-104(g)(1) |
| Massachusetts | Massachusetts does not divide felonies into classes. 'A crime punishable by death or imprisonment in the state prison is a felony.' Maximum terms and fines are set in each offense's own statute (for example, rape of a child under 16 is punishable by imprisonment in the state prison for life or for any term of years, G.L. c. 265, § 23). G.L. c. 274, § 1 |
| Michigan | Michigan sets the maximum prison term and fine in each felony's own statute. If a person is convicted of a felony for which no punishment is specially prescribed, the penalty is imprisonment for not more than 4 years, a fine of not more than $5,000, or both (MCL 750.503). For the sentencing guidelines, each felony is assigned an offense class in part 2 of chapter XVII of the Code of Criminal Procedure; the class determines which sentencing grid gives the recommended minimum sentence range (MCL 777.21). MCL 750.503; MCL 777.21 |
| Minnesota | Minnesota does not group felonies into lettered classes or degrees; the maximum sentence is set in each offense's statute. A 'felony' is 'a crime for which a sentence of imprisonment for one year or more may be imposed' (§ 609.02, subd. 2). When no punishment is otherwise fixed for a felony, the sentence may be imprisonment for not more than five years, a fine of not more than $10,000, or both (§ 609.03). Minn. Stat. §§ 609.02, subd. 2; 609.03 |
| Mississippi | Mississippi does not divide felonies into classes or degrees; each offense statute sets its own maximum penitentiary term and fine. 'The term ‘felony,’ when used in any statute, shall mean any violation of law punished with death or confinement in the penitentiary' (§ 1-3-11, as quoted by the Mississippi Supreme Court). Miss. Code Ann. § 1-3-11; Elkins v. State, No. 2002-IA-00845-SCT (Miss. 2003) |
| Missouri | Felonies are graded Class A through E (§ 558.011.1, version in effect 8/28/2021 to 1/1/2028): Class A — a term of years not less than ten years and not to exceed thirty years, or life imprisonment; Class B — not less than five years and not to exceed fifteen years; Class C — not less than three years and not to exceed ten years; Class D — a term of years not to exceed seven years; Class E — not to exceed four years. Fines: a class C, D or E felony may carry a fine not exceeding $10,000 (§ 558.002); the fine section does not list a fine for class A or B felonies. Where the person gained money or property, a fine of up to double the gain may be imposed instead. RSMo §§ 558.002, 558.011 |
| Montana | Montana does not grade felonies into classes or degrees; each offense statute sets its own penalty. A 'felony' is an offense in which the sentence imposed upon conviction is death or imprisonment in a state prison for a term exceeding 1 year (§ 45-2-101(23)). When an offense is designated a felony and no penalty is otherwise provided, the court may sentence the offender to any term not to exceed 10 years in the state prison, a fine not to exceed $50,000, or both (§ 46-18-213). MCA §§ 45-2-101(23), 46-18-213 |
| Nebraska | Felony classes and penalties under § 28-105(1): Class I — death; Class IA — life imprisonment; Class IB — maximum life imprisonment, minimum 20 years; Class IC — maximum 50 years, mandatory minimum 5 years; Class ID — maximum 50 years, mandatory minimum 3 years; Class II — maximum 50 years, minimum 1 year; Class IIA — maximum 20 years, no minimum; Class III — maximum 4 years imprisonment and 2 years post-release supervision or a $25,000 fine, or both; Class IIIA — maximum 3 years imprisonment and 18 months post-release supervision or a $10,000 fine, or both; Class IV — maximum 2 years imprisonment and 12 months post-release supervision or a $10,000 fine, or both. The table lists no fine for Classes I through IIA. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28-105 |
| Nevada | A felony is a crime punishable by death or by imprisonment in the state prison (NRS 193.120). Felonies are divided into categories A through E (NRS 193.130(2)): Category A — death or imprisonment in the state prison for life with or without the possibility of parole; Category B — minimum term of not less than 1 year and maximum term of not more than 20 years; Category C — 1 to 5 years, and a fine of not more than $10,000 unless a greater fine is authorized; Category D — 1 to 4 years, and a fine of not more than $5,000; Category E — 1 to 4 years and a fine of not more than $5,000, but the court must generally suspend the sentence and grant probation (with up to 1 year in county jail allowed as a condition), subject to exceptions. NRS 193.120, 193.130 |
| New Hampshire | Felonies are class A or class B (§ 625:9). Maximum prison terms under § 651:2, II: class A felony — fifteen years; class B felony — seven years; murder in the second degree — life imprisonment (first-degree murder is sentenced under RSA 630:1-a). Fines for an individual may not exceed $4,000 for a felony (§ 651:2, IV(a)); a corporation or unincorporated association may be fined up to $100,000 for a felony (§ 651:2, IV(b)). A crime outside the code with a maximum term of imprisonment in excess of 7 years is a class A felony; one with a maximum above one year but not above 7 years is a class B felony (§ 625:9). RSA 625:9; RSA 651:2, II, IV |
| New Jersey | New Jersey grades indictable offenses as 'crimes' of the first through fourth degree (it does not use the term felony). Ordinary prison terms are fixed by the court: first degree — between 10 years and 20 years; second degree — between five years and 10 years; third degree — between three years and five years; fourth degree — shall not exceed 18 months (§ 2C:43-6(a)). Maximum fines: $200,000 for a crime of the first degree; $150,000 for the second degree; $15,000 for the third degree; $10,000 for the fourth degree (§ 2C:43-3). Murder and extended terms are sentenced under separate sections. N.J.S. 2C:43-3; N.J.S. 2C:43-6(a) |
| New Mexico | New Mexico grades noncapital felonies by degree (first through fourth), each with a set 'basic sentence' of imprisonment and a maximum fine. First degree felony: eighteen years imprisonment, fine not to exceed fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000). Second degree felony: nine years imprisonment, fine not to exceed ten thousand dollars ($10,000). Third degree felony: three years imprisonment, fine not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000). Fourth degree felony: eighteen months imprisonment, fine not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000). Special categories carry different basic sentences: life imprisonment for a first degree felony resulting in the death of a child or for aggravated criminal sexual penetration; eighteen years for a second degree felony resulting in the death of a human being; fifteen years for a second degree felony for a sexual offense against a child; twelve years for a second degree felony for sexual exploitation of children; six years for a third degree felony resulting in the death of a human being or for a sexual offense against a child; eleven years for a third degree felony for sexual exploitation of children; and ten years for a fourth degree felony for sexual exploitation of children. The court may alter the basic sentence under the Criminal Sentencing Act. NMSA 1978, § 31-18-15(A), (B), (E) |
| New York | Felonies are class A (A-I and A-II), B, C, D and E. Maximum terms of an indeterminate sentence (§ 70.00(2)): class A felony — life imprisonment; class B — shall not exceed twenty-five years; class C — shall not exceed fifteen years; class D — shall not exceed seven years; class E — shall not exceed four years. Minimum periods for class A: A-I — not less than fifteen years nor more than twenty-five years; A-II — not less than three years nor more than eight years four months (with exceptions for listed offenses such as first-degree murder). Separate determinate-sentence rules apply to violent felonies (§ 70.02) and drug felonies. Felony fines (§ 80.00(1)) may not exceed the higher of $5,000 or 'double the amount of the defendant's gain from the commission of the crime' (special schedules apply to drug felonies under articles 220 and 221). N.Y. Penal Law §§ 70.00(2)-(3), 80.00(1) |
| North Carolina | Felonies are graded Class A, B1, B2, C, D, E, F, G, H and I and sentenced under structured sentencing using a felony punishment chart: rows are offense classes and columns are prior record levels I through VI, and each cell gives aggravated, presumptive and mitigated ranges for the minimum term (§ 15A-1340.17(c)). Class A — 'Life Imprisonment With Parole or Without Parole, or Death, as Established by Statute.' For Class B1, the chart prescribes life imprisonment without parole in the highest prior-record cells. The maximum term is set from the minimum using statutory tables: for Classes F through I by the table in subsection (d); for Classes B1 through E by the table in subsection (e) (minimums up to 339 months), or, for minimums of 340 months or more, the minimum plus 20% of the minimum, rounded to the next highest month, plus 12 months (subsection (e1)); reportable sex offenses in Classes B1-E add 60 months instead (subsection (f)). Fines: any judgment that includes imprisonment 'may also include a fine'; unless otherwise provided, 'the amount of the fine is in the discretion of the court' (§ 15A-1340.17(b)). N.C. Gen. Stat. § 15A-1340.17 |
| North Dakota | Offenses are divided into seven classes. Felonies: Class AA felony, maximum penalty of life imprisonment without parole (the court must designate whether the life sentence is with or without an opportunity for parole; a person sentenced to life with parole is not eligible for parole board consideration for thirty years, less sentence reduction earned for good conduct). Class A felony: maximum of twenty years' imprisonment, a fine of twenty thousand dollars, or both. Class B felony: maximum of ten years' imprisonment, a fine of twenty thousand dollars, or both. Class C felony: maximum of five years' imprisonment, a fine of ten thousand dollars, or both. Extended sentences under section 12.1-32-09 may also apply. N.D.C.C. § 12.1-32-01(1)-(4) |
| Ohio | Ohio grades felonies by degree, first through fifth. Prison terms: Felony of the first degree committed on or after March 22, 2019: an indefinite prison term with a stated minimum term selected by the court of three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or eleven years (maximum term determined under section 2929.144). Felony of the second degree committed on or after March 22, 2019: an indefinite term with a stated minimum of two, three, four, five, six, seven, or eight years (maximum under section 2929.144). (For first- and second-degree felonies committed before March 22, 2019, the same ranges apply as definite terms.) Felony of the third degree: a definite term of nine, twelve, eighteen, twenty-four, thirty, or thirty-six months, or, for certain listed offenses, twelve to sixty months. Felony of the fourth degree: six to eighteen months. Felony of the fifth degree: six to twelve months. Maximum fines: first degree, not more than twenty thousand dollars; second degree, not more than fifteen thousand dollars; third degree, not more than ten thousand dollars; fourth degree, not more than five thousand dollars; fifth degree, not more than two thousand five hundred dollars. Murder and aggravated murder carry separate penalties. R.C. 2929.14(A), 2929.18(A)(3) |
| Oklahoma | Under the Oklahoma Sentencing Modernization Act of 2024 (effective Jan. 1, 2026), all felonies are classified: Class Y is reserved for murder in the first degree, and Classes A1, A2, A3, B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, C1, C2, D1, D2 and D3 cover all other violent and nonviolent felonies. Class Y and Classes A1 through B6 are punished in accordance with the corresponding penalties provided for in the Oklahoma Statutes for each offense. The act sets prison terms for the lower classes: Class C1, not more than eight (8) years (must serve at least 25%); Class C2, not more than seven (7) years (at least 20%); Class D1, not more than five (5) years (at least 20%); Class D2, not more than two (2) years (at least 20%); Class D3, not more than two (2) years (at least 10%). Longer ranges apply to persons with one or two prior Class C or D convictions (for example, Class C1: not less than two (2) years nor more than twelve (12) years). Where no other punishment is prescribed, a felony is punishable by a fine not exceeding One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), or by imprisonment in the State Penitentiary not exceeding two (2) years, or both. 21 O.S. §§ 20A-20P, 9 |
| Oregon | Oregon classifies felonies as Class A, B and C (murder and aggravated murder are separately punished). The maximum term of an indeterminate sentence of imprisonment is: Class A felony, 20 years; Class B felony, 10 years; Class C felony, 5 years. Maximum fines: $500,000 for murder or aggravated murder; $375,000 for a Class A felony; $250,000 for a Class B felony; $125,000 for a Class C felony. Actual felony sentences are also governed by the sentencing guidelines grid. ORS 161.605, 161.625(1) |
| Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania grades felonies as first, second and third degree (murder is punished separately). Except as provided in 42 Pa.C.S. § 9714 (second and subsequent offenses), the maximum prison terms are: felony of the first degree, not more than 20 years; felony of the second degree, not more than ten years; felony of the third degree, not more than seven years. Maximum fines: $50,000 for murder or attempted murder; $25,000 for a felony of the first or second degree; $15,000 for a felony of the third degree (or any higher amount equal to double the pecuniary gain from the offense, or any amount specifically authorized by statute). 18 Pa.C.S. §§ 1101, 1103 |
| Rhode Island | Rhode Island does not grade felonies into classes or degrees. Unless otherwise provided, any criminal offense which may be punished by imprisonment for a term of more than one year, or by a fine of more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), is a felony. The maximum prison term and fine for each felony are set by the statute defining that offense (for example, larceny of property valued over $10,000, or of a firearm, carries up to ten (10) years). R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-1-2 |
| South Carolina | South Carolina classifies felonies as Class A through Class F. Maximum prison terms: Class A felony, not more than thirty years; Class B, not more than twenty-five years; Class C, not more than twenty years; Class D, not more than fifteen years; Class E, not more than ten years; Class F, not more than five years. Certain offenses (for example, murder) are listed as exempt from the classification system and carry the penalties stated in their own statutes. S.C. Code §§ 16-1-20(A), 16-1-10(D) |
| South Dakota | South Dakota grades felonies as Class A, B, C, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. Maximum penalties: Class A felony, death or life imprisonment in a state correctional facility (a lesser sentence than death or life may not be given); Class B felony, life imprisonment (a lesser sentence may not be given); Class C felony, life imprisonment; Class 1 felony, fifty years; Class 2 felony, twenty-five years; Class 3 felony, fifteen years; Class 4 felony, ten years; Class 5 felony, five years; Class 6 felony, two years imprisonment or a fine of four thousand dollars, or both. Fines that may be added: up to $50,000 for Class A, B, C, 1 and 2; up to $30,000 for Class 3; up to $20,000 for Class 4; up to $10,000 for Class 5. Different rules apply to defendants under eighteen convicted of Class A, B or C felonies, and habitual-offender enhancements are preserved. SDCL 22-6-1 |
| Tennessee | Tennessee grades felonies as Class A through Class E. Authorized terms of imprisonment and fines: Class A, not less than 15 nor more than 60 years, and the jury may assess a fine not to exceed $50,000; Class B, 8 to 30 years, fine up to $25,000; Class C, 3 to 15 years, fine up to $10,000; Class D, 2 to 12 years, fine up to $5,000; Class E, 1 to 6 years, fine up to $3,000 (each fine 'unless otherwise provided by statute'). The specific range within these limits depends on the offender's sentencing range (prior record). Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-111(b); § 40-35-112 (sentencing ranges, as described by the Tennessee General Assembly Fiscal Review Committee) |
| Texas | Texas grades felonies as capital felonies, felonies of the first, second and third degree, and state jail felonies. Capital felony: if the state seeks the death penalty, life imprisonment without parole or death; if not, life imprisonment for an offender younger than 18 at the time of the offense, or life without parole for an offender 18 or older. First degree: imprisonment for life or for any term of not more than 99 years or less than 5 years, plus an optional fine not to exceed $10,000. Second degree: not more than 20 years or less than 2 years, plus an optional fine not to exceed $10,000. Third degree: not more than 10 years or less than 2 years, plus an optional fine not to exceed $10,000. State jail felony: confinement in a state jail for not more than two years or less than 180 days, plus an optional fine not to exceed $10,000 (some state jail felonies are punished as third degree felonies in listed circumstances). Tex. Penal Code §§ 12.31-12.35 |
| Utah | Utah grades felonies as capital felonies and felonies of the first, second and third degree. Capital felony (offender 18 or older): death; an indeterminate prison term of not less than 25 years that may be for life; or life in prison without parole (death and life without parole do not apply to an offender under 18 at the time of the offense sentenced on or after May 10, 2016). Indeterminate prison terms, unless the statute provides otherwise: first degree, not less than five years and which may be for life; second degree, not less than one year nor more than 15 years; third degree, not to exceed five years. Maximum fines: $10,000 for a first or second degree felony; $5,000 for a third degree felony (or greater amounts specifically authorized by statute). Utah Code §§ 76-3-203, 76-3-206, 76-3-301(1) |
| Vermont | Vermont does not grade felonies into classes; each offense statute sets its own maximum prison term and fine. A felony is any offense "whose maximum term of imprisonment is more than two years, for life, or which may be punished by death." 13 V.S.A. § 1 |
| Virginia | Virginia grades felonies as Classes 1 through 6. Class 1: imprisonment for life and a fine of not more than $100,000 (for a person 18 or older at the time of the offense who is sentenced to life, no parole, good conduct or earned sentence credits, or conditional release). Class 2: imprisonment for life or for any term not less than 20 years, and a fine of not more than $100,000. Class 3: 5 to 20 years, and a fine of not more than $100,000. Class 4: 2 to 10 years, and a fine of not more than $100,000. Class 5: 1 to 10 years, or in the discretion of the jury or the court trying the case without a jury, confinement in jail for not more than 12 months and/or a fine of not more than $2,500. Class 6: 1 to 5 years, or in the discretion of the jury or the court, confinement in jail for not more than 12 months and/or a fine of not more than $2,500. For most felonies the court may or must add a suspended term of six months to three years conditioned on probation. Va. Code § 18.2-10 |
| Washington | Washington grades felonies as class A, B and C (unless a different maximum is set by a specific statute). Class A felony: confinement in a state correctional institution for a term of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $50,000, or both. Class B felony: up to 10 years, a fine of up to $20,000, or both. Class C felony: up to 5 years, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. These maximums apply to crimes committed on or after July 1, 1984; actual sentences within the maximum are set under the Sentencing Reform Act. RCW 9A.20.021(1) |
| West Virginia | West Virginia does not sort felonies into numbered classes or degrees in its general provisions. Offenses are either felonies or misdemeanors: offenses punishable by confinement in the penitentiary are felonies, and all other offenses are misdemeanors. The prison term and fine for each felony are set in the statute defining that crime (for example, grand larceny: 1 to 10 years, or in the court's discretion up to 1 year in jail, and a fine of up to $2,500). W. Va. Code §§ 61-11-1, 61-3-13(a) |
| Wisconsin | Wisconsin grades felonies as Classes A through I. Class A: life imprisonment. Class B: imprisonment not to exceed 60 years. Class C: a fine not to exceed $100,000 or imprisonment not to exceed 40 years, or both. Class D: a fine not to exceed $100,000 or imprisonment not to exceed 25 years, or both. Class E: a fine not to exceed $50,000 or imprisonment not to exceed 15 years, or both. Class F: a fine not to exceed $25,000 or imprisonment not to exceed 12 years and 6 months, or both. Class G: a fine not to exceed $25,000 or imprisonment not to exceed 10 years, or both. Class H: a fine not to exceed $10,000 or imprisonment not to exceed 6 years, or both. Class I: a fine not to exceed $10,000 or imprisonment not to exceed 3 years and 6 months, or both. Wis. Stat. § 939.50(3) |
| Wyoming | Wyoming does not grade felonies into classes or degrees. Crimes which may be punished by death or by imprisonment for more than one (1) year are felonies; all other crimes are misdemeanors. The maximum prison term is set in the statute for each offense. If the statute does not establish a maximum fine, the fine for a felony shall be not more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00). Unless the offense carries a life term, the court sets a minimum and maximum term within the statutory limits, and the minimum may not be greater than 90% of the maximum imposed. As of April 2026, the Legislature's Joint Judiciary Committee was studying whether to adopt a classification and gradation system for offenses. W.S. 6-10-101, 6-10-102; W.S. 7-13-201 (as described in the LSO memo) |
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.