Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – Dec. 26, 2024 – If you or a loved one are charged with a felony, it can be a very confusing process. What types of crimes entail a felony? How does that affect sentencing?
At Rees Law Firm, we understand getting charged with a felony is overwhelming, so we’ve broken down what that can mean for you or your loved one.
What is a Felony?
A felony is a serious criminal offense, more serious than a misdemeanor. What’s classified as a felony will vary by state, but in general, felonies involve physical harm or large-scale theft or fraud.
In Arkansas, felonies are classified as Class Y, Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D. A Class Y felony is the most serious, while Class D is the least serious. There are also unclassified felonies, in which the sentence will be outlined in the criminal statute.
What is a Class Y Felony?
These offenses can result in a prison term of 10 to 40 years or life. Some examples are below:
- Simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms
- Kidnapping
- Drug trafficking
- Drive-by shooting
What is a Class A Felony?
A Class A felony is punishable by 6 to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000 if convicted. Some examples are below:
- Domestic battering in the first degree
- Aggravated residential burglary
- Second-degree murder
What is a Class B Felony?
The sentence for a Class B felony is 5 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000. Some examples are below:
- Witness intimidation
- Residential burglary
- Sexual extortion
What is Class C Felony?
A Class C felony is punishable by 3 to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Examples include:
- Theft of a firearm
- Disarming an officer
- Failure to appear in court (if the court appearance was regarding a different felony charge)
What is a Class D Felony?
This is the least serious type of felony and is punishable by up to six years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Examples include:
- Reckless burning
- Fradulent use of a credit card
- Aggravated assault
What are Unclassified Felonies?
Punishment for these types of felonies is determined on a case-by-case basis. For example, trafficking fentanyl is unclassified and carries a sentence of 25 to 60 years or life in prison, while a fourth DWI offense can result in one to six years in prison and a fine of $900 to $5,000.
What to Do if Charged?
A felony conviction is serious and can result in losing the right to vote, own a gun, run for public office or obtain certain professional or business licenses.
If you or a loved one are charged with a felony, you should seek help from experienced legal professionals. For more detailed guidance tailored to your specific situation, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Rees Law Firm.