Below is a chart of the sentencing options based on offense of your alleged crime. If charged with multiple offenses the times can either run at the same time (concurrent) or back-to-back (consecutive). So if you have two A-misdemeanors for example, you might end up with 1 year or it could be 2, depending on the situation. Courts typically will run things consecutively if there are multiple victims or other aggravating factors that warrant additional punishment. The advisory sentence for felony crimes is supposed to work as a starting point. If you receive more or less than that amount the judge that sentences you must have a good reason.
Judges will look at aggravating circumstances and mitigating circumstances that apply to your case. For example, no record of any criminal activity is a mitigator. But a long record of convictions would be an aggravator. There are many other factors that come into play with sentencing, and it is important to have a lawyer to make the best argument on your behalf. It could mean the difference between not only a longer or shorter sentence but whether you serve it in jail or prison, or if you get more of it suspended on probation. Additionally, you may qualify for alternate placement outside jail, like home detention or work release as well.
Level | Sentence Range (Min – Max) | Advisory Sentence | Potential Fine |
Murder | 45 years – Death | 55 years | $0 – $10,000 |
Level 1 Felony | 20 years – 40 years | 30 years | $0 – $10,000 |
Level 2 Felony | 10 years – 30 years | 17.5 years | $0 – $10,000 |
Level 3 Felony | 3 years – 16 years | 9 years | $0 – $10,000 |
Level 4 Felony | 2 years – 12 years | 6 years | $0 – $10,000 |
Level 5 Felony | 1 year – 6 years | 3 years | $0 – $10,000 |
Level 6 Felony | 6 months – 2.5 years | 1 year | $0 – $10,000 |
Class | Sentence Range (Min – Max) | Potential Fine | |
Class A Misdemeanor | 0 days – 1 year | n/a | $0 – $5,000 |
Class B Misdemeanor | 0 days – 180 days | n/a | $0 – $1,000 |
Class C Misdemeanor | 0 days – 60 days | n/a | $0 – $500 |