An estimated 6.1 million adults in the United States have a felony conviction on their record. That’s nearly 1 in every 40 Americans. And no — not all felonies are treated the same. From drug trafficking to white-collar crimes to armed robbery — felonies are categorized by their severity, and that’s where “felony classes” come in.
What Is a Felony?
In simple terms, a felony is a serious criminal offense — way more serious than a misdemeanor. It typically carries a sentence of more than one year in prison, and depending on the class, some felonies can lead to decades in prison or even the death penalty.
How Are Felonies Classified in the U.S.?
There’s no single unified felony classification system across the United States. Here’s how it generally works:
- Federal Felonies (U.S. Code): Classified from Class A to Class E
- State Felonies: Every state has its own system. Some use letter grades (like Texas and New York), others use numbers (like Minnesota and Washington), and a few don’t use classes at all.
Federal Felony Classes: A to E
Class A Felony – The Most Serious
- Prison Time: Life imprisonment or the death penalty
- Examples:
- First-degree murder
- Acts of terrorism
- Large-scale drug trafficking
- Real Example:
Timothy McVeigh (Oklahoma City bombing) was convicted of a Class A federal felony and was sentenced to death.
Class A felonies can strip away almost all civil rights — voting, firearm possession, running for office, etc. — permanently.
Class B Felony
- Prison Time: 25 years or more
- Examples:
- Manslaughter
- Armed robbery
- Sexual abuse of a minor
- Real Example:
In New York, first-degree robbery is classified as a Class B felony and can result in up to 25 years in prison.
Class C Felony
- Prison Time: 10 to 25 years
- Examples:
- Aggravated assault
- Drug distribution (non-lethal amount)
- Theft over $100,000
- State Example:
In Texas, third-degree felony (which aligns with a Class C) includes crimes like tampering with evidence or certain firearm charges.
Class D Felony
- Prison Time: 5 to 10 years
- Examples:
- Fraud
- Burglary
- Identity theft
- Real Example:
In Iowa, a Class D felony includes first-time drug possession and carries up to 5 years imprisonment and a $7,500 fine.
Class E Felony – Least Severe Felony
- Prison Time: 1 to 5 years
- Examples:
- Stalking
- Lower-level drug offenses
- Auto theft
- State Example:
In New York, forgery in the second degree is a Class E felony, punishable by up to 4 years in prison.
Learn More: Bank Robbery Prison Sentence: Federal Charges, Penalties
Felony Chart
| Class | Prison Time | Severity Level | Example Crimes |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Life or death penalty | Most severe | Murder, terrorism |
| B | 25+ years | Extremely serious | Robbery, manslaughter |
| C | 10–25 years | Very serious | Aggravated assault, theft > $100K |
| D | 5–10 years | Serious | Fraud, identity theft |
| E | 1–5 years | Less serious felony | Auto theft, stalking |
Do All States Use the Same Classification?
Nope — not even close. Here are a few variations:
Texas
Uses Degrees instead of Classes:
- Capital Felony → Death or Life
- 1st Degree → 5–99 years
- 2nd Degree → 2–20 years
- 3rd Degree → 2–10 years
- State Jail Felony → 180 days to 2 years
California
California doesn’t use a class system. It directly names felonies and gives specific sentencing guidelines based on the crime.
New York
Uses Class A through E — just like the federal system.
How Felony Classification Affects You?
1. Sentencing Severity
Higher class = longer time behind bars, period.
2. Loss of Rights
- Voting: Some states don’t allow felons to vote — ever.
- Firearms: Federal law bans convicted felons from owning guns.
- Employment: Employers can (and often do) run background checks.
- Housing: Public housing may be denied.
- Custody: Convictions can hurt child custody cases.
3. Job Opportunities
According to a 2023 report by the Prison Policy Initiative, over 60% of formerly incarcerated people remain unemployed a year after release.
That means the class of your felony matters long after prison.
Important Terms to Know
- Violent Felony: Includes physical force or threat — more severe penalties.
- Non-Violent Felony: Includes drug crimes, fraud — often eligible for early release.
- Wobbler Offense: Crimes that can be charged as either felony or misdemeanor (depends on context).
Can Felony Charges Be Reduced?
Yes — through a process called plea bargaining or charge reduction, especially for non-violent crimes or first-time offenders.
Example:
A Class C felony (aggravated assault) might be reduced to a Class D felony if no weapon was used and it’s a first offense.
Can You Expunge a Felony?
In some states, yes, but usually:
- Only for non-violent or lower-class felonies
- After a waiting period (5–10 years)
- Must have a clean record since release
Check state laws — for example:
- California allows expungement of certain felonies
- Florida generally does not
Two Felony Paths
| Person A | Person B |
|---|---|
| Convicted of Class B felony for robbery with a weapon | Convicted of Class E felony for mail fraud |
| Sentenced to 20 years in federal prison | Sentenced to 18 months and released on parole |
| Lost parental rights, voting rights | Retained voting rights after parole |
| Still imprisoned | Now works in financial compliance |
Final Thought
Felonies aren’t just about time in prison — they can change your entire life. Whether it’s a Class A or a Class E felony, knowing the differences is crucial. It affects your sentencing, your rights, and your ability to rebuild after a conviction.
If you’re facing a felony charge, understanding the class can help you and your legal team create a smarter strategy — and fight for your future.
FAQs
Can a felony ever be downgraded to a misdemeanor?
Yes, in certain cases where plea deals are reached or where the crime is a “wobbler.”
Do felonies stay on your record forever?
Generally yes — unless expunged or sealed, which is limited and varies by state.
What’s the difference between a felony and a federal felony?
A felony can be charged at state or federal level. Federal felonies are prosecuted under U.S. law and usually involve larger-scale or interstate crimes.
