A Class C felony is a serious criminal offense that is less severe than Class A or B felonies but more serious than misdemeanors or lower felony classes. It generally involves crimes that carry significant penalties, including substantial prison time and fines.
General Definition and Severity
- Class C felonies are considered mid-level felonies in many states and under federal law. They are more serious than misdemeanors but less severe than Class A or B felonies
- Under federal law, Class C felonies are punishable by imprisonment for at least 10 years but less than 25 years
Examples of Class C Felonies
- Crimes such as voluntary manslaughter, arson, burglary, armed robbery, aggravated assault, commercial burglary, perjury, and certain drug trafficking offenses
- Other examples include unauthorized access to computers, credit card fraud involving large amounts, second-degree assault, second-degree manslaughter, and controlled substance trafficking over certain amounts
- In some states, Class C felonies may cover offenses like manslaughter, robbery, larceny, and drug possession or assault with significant harm
Penalties
- Prison sentences typically range from 2 to 10 years depending on the state, with some states imposing up to 20 years or more for habitual offenders
- Fines can be substantial, sometimes up to $10,000 or more
- Federal Class C felonies carry penalties of 10 to 25 years in prison
Summary
Class C felonies are serious crimes that can result in lengthy prison terms and heavy fines but are not the most severe felony class. They include a broad range of offenses involving moderate to significant harm or financial loss. This classification varies somewhat by jurisdiction but consistently represents a mid-level felony with serious legal consequences
