Maybe you are or a loved one is being charged with a felony, or maybe you’re curious just because—what are the most common felonies in the US? What do the different classes of felony charges mean? Read on to learn more about felonies in the US.
What is a felony?
A felony charge can be brought for both violent and nonviolent crimes. It’s considered more serious than a misdemeanor charge because it impacts public safety more acutely. Felony charges almost always carry heavier sentences, such as longer jail times and steeper fines, than misdemeanors. If you’re being charged with a felony, it’s important to contact a lawyer to represent you ASAP.
What are the most common felonies in the US?
The top seven most common felonies in the US are:
- Drug abuse violations are the most common felony charges in recent years, with about 2,000,000 violations annually, according to some estimates.
- Property crimes – including auto theft, burglary, larceny, arson, and theft
- DUI (driving under the influence) is considered a felony charge if the person’s blood alcohol level exceeds .08 and results in injury, or if your record includes 3+ alcohol related driving convictions within 10 years, or if you already have a single felony conviction on your record within 10 years
- Assault – about 1,000,000 offenses occur each year
- Disorderly conduct – it’s not always a felony charge, but it is when various crimes cause harm to society.
- Liquor laws that include the limitation of the sale of alcohol to minors are frequently broken throughout the US.
- Violent crimes that often result in felony charges include manslaughter, murder, robbery, assault, and forcible rape.
What do the different classes of felony charges mean?
A felony charge is always categorized in a certain class. Class 1 is the most serious charge and the penalty ranges from a minimum of life in prison and a maximum of death. Though no prisoner has been executed by the state of California since 2006, there is still a “death row” in California prisons. Class 2 carries the minimum penalty of 20 years of imprisonment to life in prison. Class 3 means 5–20 years in prison. Class 4 carries the possibility of between 2–10 years in prison, and Class 5 requires a penalty of 1–10 years in prison, or 12 months in jail. Finally, Class 6 can result in a minimum prison sentence of one year. No matter what class a felony falls under, the state can impose additional prison time, fines, or both. That’s why it’s incredibly important to have an excellent lawyer represent you.
Choose Chambers Law Firm
Dan Chambers is the best choice to represent you, whether you’re dealing with a Class 1 or Class 6 felony charge, or somewhere in-between. Did you know that he gives his personal cell phone number to each of his clients so they can reach him whenever they have questions or concerns about their cases? You’re just not going to get that level of commitment to meeting your legal needs anywhere else.
Call 714-760-4088 or click the Contact tab at the top right to set up a FREE consultation today.
