.png)
In the United States, federal crimes are classified by a letter grade that can range from A to E. Each "class" refers to a specific degree of severity and carries its own legal consequences.
The federal government uses this classification system to determine the potential penalties for a crime, which usually include fines and imprisonment. Therefore, it's important for people facing federal charges to understand these categories and to know when does a crime become a federal offense.
How Are Federal Crimes Classified?
Federal law categorizes criminal offenses into two main groups: felonies and misdemeanors. The former are more serious crimes with harsher penalties, while the latter are less severe and carry lighter consequences.
Additionally, there's a category of infractions, which are crimes typically considered "minor." Below is more information about each one.
Federal Felonies
Felonies are the most serious criminal offenses under federal law because they cause serious bodily injury or death to a person, are committed by offenders with prior convictions, or result in huge financial losses.
These crimes are punishable by imprisonment for more than one year and a fine in the thousands or tens of thousands of dollars. In some cases, a felony offense can even result in life in prison or the death penalty.
The classification of a federal felony depends on the severity of the offense, but it's usually as follows:
Class A felony: This is the most serious type of felony and carries severe penalties, such as life imprisonment or the death penalty. Offenses resulting in death, such as murder, terrorism, kidnapping, bank robbery, and certain drug trafficking cases are common examples.
Class B felony: These crimes are punishable by 25 years or more in prison. Some examples include aggravated and sexual assault, manslaughter, robbery, and narcotic distribution.
Class C felony: These offenses are punishable by less than 25 but more than 10 years in prison. Possessing a firearm when prohibited, endangering a child, domestic assault, and involuntary manslaughter may fall into this category.
Class D felony: These crimes carry more than one but up to five years in prison. Common examples include tax evasion, bankruptcy or mail fraud, transportation of stolen property, and false statements to a federal agency.
Class E felony: These offenses carry less than five but more than one year in prison. Attempted crimes, possession of stolen property, falsification of records, and violation of court orders are common examples.
Federal Misdemeanors
Misdemeanors are less severe offenses than felonies but are also punishable by imprisonment and/or a fine, as well as other court-ordered conditions.
In some states, crimes that are serious but cannot be classified as felonies are considered "gross misdemeanors."
There are three classes of misdemeanors at the federal level. These are:
Class A misdemeanor: It's an offense punishable by up to one year but more than six months in prison and/or a fine of up to $5,000. Simple assault or theft, disorderly conduct, possession of controlled substances, and public intoxication might fall into this group.
Class B misdemeanor: It's a crime that carries up to six months but more than 30 days in prison and/or a fine of up to $1,000. Some examples include reckless driving, trespassing, resisting arrest, and petty theft.
Class C misdemeanor: It's an offense punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine. Minor traffic violations and littering are a few examples.
Infractions
Infractions are the least severe criminal offenses. Since these acts are considered violations of administrative regulations, they aren't typically punishable with jail time but by a fine only.
Common examples include jaywalking, speeding, parking illegally, and violating noise ordinances.
What Is a Petty Offense?
A petty offense is a federal case that carries light penalties, which means punishment is limited to only six months in jail and up to a $5,000 fine.
These crimes are typically considered minor offenses. Infractions and Class B and C misdemeanors may fall into this category.
What Is the Difference Between a Federal Felony, a Federal Misdemeanor, and a Federal Infraction?
Felonies, misdemeanors, and petty offenses committed at the federal level, including infractions, all describe acts that can be considered criminal. However, they aren't the same.
A federal felony, which is a more serious crime, can be class A, B, C, D, and E, while misdemeanors are only divided into three categories: A, B, and C. Infractions are less severe offenses with no subclassifications.
Since felonies are more severe than misdemeanors and petty offenses, they carry harsher penalties. These are the main differences in federal sentencing guidelines for each category:
The maximum prison term for a federal crime considered a felony is life imprisonment or the death penalty (in certain cases), but it's only between six months and a year for misdemeanors. Infractions don't usually carry jail time.
The maximum fine is $250,000 for a federal felony, $100,000 for a federal misdemeanor, and $5,000 for infractions.
There are other differences related to criminal records and trials. For example:
Felonies appear on people's criminal records and can have severe, life-altering consequences on the person convicted, such as difficulties finding employment and housing or getting professional licenses. These offenses are typically tried in a federal court with a jury.
Misdemeanors may be tried in a federal district court or a magistrate's court and may have less severe consequences on a person's criminal record and overall life.
Infractions are usually handled administratively and don't result in a criminal record.
Examples of Federal Crimes
The U.S. Sentencing Commission has listed the main federal crimes, and these include the following offenses:
Drug crimes, such as drug trafficking or distribution
Violent crimes, including first-, second-, and third-degree murder, conspiracy to murder, voluntary and involuntary manslaughter, felonies resulting in death, aggravated assault and robbery, and sexual abuse of a minor
Property crimes, such as arson, burglary, larceny, and vehicle theft
White-collar crimes, including fraud, deceit, embezzlement, bribery, money laundering, extortion, and tax offenses
Firearm crimes, such as the illegal use, possession, and transportation of guns or ammunition, especially if related to a felony
Pornography, including the possession, sale, or purchase of content that depicts minors engaging in sexually explicit activity
Gambling and lottery, specifically the transmission of wagering information, participation in gambling businesses, and the interstate transportation of related paraphernalia
Kidnapping or abduction, which involves the unlawful seizure, confinement, or transportation of a person against their will
Why Is It Important to Learn About the Classification of Federal Offenses?
People facing federal charges should learn about this classification because it determines how serious a crime is and, consequently, influences the severity of punishment, eligibility for probation, and duration of supervised release when applicable.
Final Thoughts: Is It Necessary to Hire a Defense Lawyer When Facing Federal Charges?
All criminal charges can be disputed, even if they're handled at the federal level. Although these cases are complex, there's always a way to fight them. Thus, it's important to seek help from an experienced federal crime lawyer.
The prosecution will always try to get the accused person convicted of a serious federal offense with the maximum penalty, but a skilled lawyer can choose the appropriate approach to reduce or dismiss those charges.
Criminal defense lawyers can guide offenders through the legal process and protect their rights, negotiate a plea deal for a lower sentence, argue violations through the process for charges dismissal, or provide representation after pleading not guilty. They can also advise on questions such as Are federal cases hard to beat?
If you're facing federal charges for a criminal offense, you can find a skilled and knowledgeable attorney at Sparks Law Firm. We have extensive experience in federal cases and are willing to fight for your freedom. Contact us today!
Kommentare