How are felony criminal offenses punished under Virginia criminal law?

A: Under Virginia criminal law, felony criminal offenses are categorized, for purposes of punishment and sentencing, into 6 classes:  Class 1 felony punishments are the most serous and Class 6 felony punishments are the least serious in Virginia.  

Virginia felony offenses are all punishable by incarceration in a state penitentiary / prison for at least one year, and as the severity of the specific felony offense increases, so does the punishment, all the way up to the possibility of being sentenced to death.  

Specifically, the possible punishments for the different classes of felony criminal offenses in Virginia include the following:    

Class 1:  death or imprisonment for life, and a fine of up to $100,000

Class 2:  imprisonment for life or any tern not less than 20 years, and 
             a fine of up to $1,000

Class 3:  imprisonment for 5 to 20 years, and a fine of up to $100,000

Class 4:  imprisonment for 2 to 10 years, and a fine of up to $100,000

Class 5:  imprisonment for 1 to 10 years, or 
             up to 12 months in jail and / or a fine of up to $2,500

Class 6:  imprisonment for 1 to 5 years, or 
             up to 12 months in jail and / or a fine of up to $2,500

The experienced Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyers at The Wilson Law Firm can discuss this, and other Virginia criminal law matters, with you in more detail.

For more Frequently Asked Questions, click here.

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The Wilson Law Firm
DUI, Criminal & Traffic Defense ...When Results Matter

We have helped thousands of clients - and we can help you, too.

(703) 361-6100 / (540) 347-4944

Toll Free
(888) DUI-LWYR
(888) 384-5997