Felonies and Misdemeanors

Criminal offenses are considered either felonies or misdemeanors. Offenses are classified in the following manner:

Felony Misdemeanor
Class 1 felony Class 1 misdemeanor
Class 2 felony Class 2 misdemeanor
Class 3 felony Class 3 misdemeanor
Class 4 felony Class 4 misdemeanor
Class 5 felony  
Class 6 felony  

COV 18.2-10. Felonies

The authorized punishments for conviction of a felony are:

  1. For Class 1 felonies, death, or imprisonment for life and a fine of up to $100,000.
  2. For Class 2 felonies, imprisonment for life or a minimum of 20 years and a fine of up to $100,000.
  3. For Class 3 felonies, imprisonment for five to 20 years and a fine of up to $100,000.
  4. For Class 4 felonies, imprisonment for two to 10 years and a fine of up to $100,000.
  5. For Class 5 felonies, the jury or court may choose imprisonment for one to 10 years or jail for up to 12 months and a fine of up to $2,500, either or both.
  6. For Class 6 felonies, the jury or court may choose imprisonment for one to five years or jail for up to 12 months and a fine of up to $2,500, either or both.

COV 18.2-11. Misdemeanors

The authorized punishments for conviction of a misdemeanor are:

  1. For Class 1 misdemeanors, confinement in jail for up to twelve months and a fine of up to $2,500, either or both.
  2. For Class 2 misdemeanors, confinement in jail for up to six months and a fine of up to $1,000, either or both.
  3. For Class 3 misdemeanors, maximum fine of $500.
  4. For Class 4 misdemeanors, maximum fine of $250.