Felonies and Misdemeanors Carry Jail Terms

An offense is either a crime or a violation.

A crime is either a felony or a misdemeanor.

If a crime is a felony there is a maximum term of imprisonment of more than one year.

Felonies are classified as Class A felonies; Class B felonies; Class C felonies; and unclassified felonies. The maximum prison term for a felony is 20 years for a Class A felony, 10 years for a Class B felony and 5 years for a Class C felony. The maximum fines for felonies are $500,000 for murder or aggravated murder, $375,000 for a Class A felony, $250,000 for a Class B felony, and $125,000 for a Class C felony.

Misdemeanors are less serious than felonies. Misdemeanors carry a maximum sentence of one year or less.

Misdemeanors are classified as Class A misdemeanors, Class B misdemeanors, Class C misdemeanors, and unclassified misdemeanors.

Maximum sentences for misdemeanors are 1 year for a Class A misdemeanor, 6 months for a Class B misdemeanor, and 30 days for a Class C misdemeanor.

Maximum fines are $6,250 for a Class A misdemeanor, $2,500 for a Class B misdemeanor, and $1,250 for a Class C misdemeanor.