Criminal Services

Felony

There are five degrees of regular felonies, ranging from a Felony of the 5th Degree, which is the least serious felony charge, up to a Felony of the 1st Degree, which is the most serious of the regular felony charges. The potential prison terms for these felonies are as follows:

• F1: 3 to 10 years in prison
• F2: 2 to 8 years in prison
• F3: 1 to 5 years in prison
• F4: 6 to 18 months incarceration
• F5: 6 to 12 months incarceration

In addition to regular felonies, there are two special felonies for Aggravated Murder and Murder. An aggravated Murder committed under certain circumstances can be punished by a death sentence. These cases may result in a life sentence with possible parole after 20, 25 or 30 years, as determined by a three Judge panel or jury. Without the death specifications, an Aggravated Murder may result in a sentence of life with possible parole after 30 years of imprisonment. The possible sentence on a murder conviction is 15 years to life in prison.

Judges must review many factors in rendering a decision to incarcerate an offender. In general, convicted felony offenders may be sentenced to prison or community control, which may include confinement in the local jail followed by other sanctions.

To see a flow chart of the criminal prosecution process click this link.