Virginia Felony Charges and Penalties
Virginia classifies felonies into six different categories ranging from Class 6, which is least serious to Class 1, which has the most serious and harsh penalties and sentences. Each classification has its range of sentences and penalties. There are some crimes which can fall under more than one class. Here are the classifications of all felonies that you could be convicted of:
Class 1 Felonies
A conviction of a Class 1 felony comes with the severest penalties. Examples of crimes that are categorized as Class 1 felonies are capital murder and first-degree murder. If you are more than 18 years old and not mentally unskilled, you could be convicted of capital murder and may be sentenced to death. If you are charged with first-degree murder or another Class 1 felony offense, you could be sentenced to life in jail and fined up to $100,000 maximum.
Class 2 Felonies
A Class 2 felony offense often involves intentional crimes, such as kidnapping, aggravated malicious wounding, arson, which is causing permanent and physical impairment to another person, burglary with a deadly weapon, and murder in some situations. The penalty can range from a minimum of 20 years in jail to a life sentence and a fine of up to $100,000 maximum.
Class 3 Felonies
You could be convicted of a Class 3 felony for stabbing or shooting a person, attempting to give poison to someone or certain drug crimes. Another example of a Class 3 felony is nasty wounding—causing injury to a person with the intention of killing, disabling, and disfiguring him. A conviction can result in a jail sentence of 5 to 20 years max and a fine of up to $100,000 maximum.
Class 4 Felonies
Embezzlement, arson of an unoccupied building, prostitution, kidnapping, and manslaughter can result in a Class 4 felony conviction. The penalties range from 2 to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000 maximum.
Class 5 Felonies
Crimes that fall within this classification include involuntary manslaughter, extortion, and battery. These are often considered “wobbler” crimes that could be charged as a felony or misdemeanor, depending on the circumstances of the crime. A felony conviction could result in a prison sentence of 1 to 10 years and a fine of up to $2,500 maximum.
Class 6 Felonies
Class 6 felonies are the least serious felonies and are also considered “wobblers” that might result in a misdemeanor conviction. Examples of these crimes include animal cruelty, repeat larcenies, reckless endangerment, and violation of a court order. A sentence for a felony conviction could include one to five years in prison and a fine of $2,500 maximum.