Felonies in Michigan are the most serious type of crime and have varying classes and penalties. The range of punishment consists of prison or jail terms, large fines, community service, probation, and others. If you have been accused and want to know the classes and penalties for felonies in Michigan, our legal team examines each charge and punishment below.
The law offices of White Law PLLC have helped those accused of crimes maintain their innocence for decades. Our willingness to advocate for our clients and the vast knowledge of our criminal defense lawyers continue to assist in restoring justice and protecting the rights of the accused. Read on to learn more about Michigan’s felony charges and their penalties.
What Is the Difference Between a Felony and a Misdemeanor in Michigan?
The difference between a felony and a misdemeanor is dependent on the gravity of the conduct and the potential consequences in Michigan, as in many other US jurisdictions. To understand how your charges will affect you, it is best to consult with a local criminal defense attorney in Michigan.
The following are the primary distinctions between felonies and misdemeanors in Michigan:
- Offense severity: In general, felonies are more serious offenses than misdemeanors. Typically, felonies encompass more serious charges like murder, rape, robbery, or certain drug offenses. On the other hand, misdemeanors include less serious crimes like minor theft, simple assault, or disorderly behavior.
- Potential punishments: Felonies are subject to harsher punishments than misdemeanors. In Michigan, crimes are normally punished by a sentence of more than one year in state prison, penalties, or both. On the other hand, misdemeanors are often punished by up to a year in county jail, fines, or both.
Criminal convictions may result in the loss of the ability to vote, prohibitions on the possession of firearms, restrictions on job prospects, and difficulties in acquiring professional licenses.
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What Are the Penalties for Each Class of Felonies in Michigan?
Felonies in Michigan are divided into various categories, with Class A being the most severe and Class E being the least severe. Each kind of Michigan felony class carries a certain range of punishments.
The classifications and related penalties include the following:
- M2: This class only applies to murder in the second degree and punishment can include up to a life sentence in prison.
- Class A Felony: The most serious offenses in Michigan are class A felonies. Penalties for Class A crimes range from a year in jail to life in prison. Kidnapping, assault with a lethal weapon with the goal to rob or steal, and first-degree criminal sexual behavior are a few examples.
- Class B Felony: For Class B offenses, the maximum sentence is 20 years in jail. For instance, second-degree arson, repetitive second-degree child abuse, and the creation of child pornography are all examples of second-degree crimes.
- Class C Felony: A Class C felony conviction carries a sentence of up to 15 years in prison and/or a fine of up to twenty thousand dollars. These violations include manslaughter, wrongful death caused by a DUI, and second-degree criminal sexual conduct.
- Class D Felony: For class d crimes, the maximum penalty is 10 years in jail and/or a fine of $20,000. Examples include human trafficking or embezzlement.
- Class E Felony: A Class E felony carries a maximum sentence of five years in jail. These crimes include assault with the purpose to cause serious bodily injury, theft, and repetitive DUIs.
- Class F Felony: Drug offenses such as selling marijuana or fraudulent loan claims are included in this class. The penalty for a class F felony in Michigan can go up to four years in prison.
- Class G Felony: Offenses in this class are penalized with up to two years in prison. These crimes typically include squatting, cyberbullying, and ethnic harassment or intimidation.
- Class H Felony: Perpetrators that commit a class H felony may be punished with jail or alternative sentencing like probation or house arrest.
How Much Time Can Pass Before a Felony Is Filed Against Someone?
According to Michigan’s Criminal Statutes of Limitations, charges must be brought against a person as soon as a crime is committed or thought to have been committed. Depending on the crime, the time frame can vary. For instance, it is 10 to 25 years for child sex crimes.
Certain crimes, including murder, have no statute of limitations and can be reported at any time. If someone is charged after the deadline has passed, the case may be dropped on their behalf. Consult with a knowledgeable criminal attorney for further details on the criminal statute of limitations.
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Do You Need to Help Understanding Your Michigan Felony Charge?
Michigan’s criminal procedures can be complex. If you have been charged with a felony in Michigan, it is important to understand what your rights are and the potential consequences of a conviction. Consulting with an experienced criminal defense lawyer can help you understand Michigan’s felony charges, classes, and penalties so that you can make an informed decision on how to move forward. Contact us today.
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