CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY

Michigan’s Felony Classes Explained

Representing Clients In Macomb, Washtenaw, Wayne, Genesee County, and all over the State of Michigan.

March 24, 2022

Facing felony charges is not the end of the world but it needs to be taken seriously. Even lower-level felonies can have serious long-term effects on your livelihood. If you or a loved one has been charged with a felony, you need to have an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side. An attorney like Ashlee Duplessis can help guide you and answer your questions. You are not alone. Contact us today.

What are Michigan’s Felony Classes?

Michigan has 8 different types of felonies on its books. Not every state follows this method. Georgia for example has a much simpler system. These felony punishments range from more than 1 year in prison to life in prison. Class A Felonies have the most serious consequences because they are reserved for the worst crimes. Class H Felonies fall on the other side of the spectrum. These are punishable by incarceration but also by alternative programs like probation or house arrest/monitoring.

Class A Felony

A conviction for this charge can result in life in prison along with other multi-decade sentences. Several crimes can land a person with a Class A Felony. These can include 1st and 2nd degree murder, serious assault charges like assault with a deadly weapon with intent to rob or kidnap. Criminal Sexual Conduct in the 1st degree is also a Class A Felony.

Class B Felony

This charge can come with up to 20 years in prison. Certain arson charges, child-abuse and child-pornography production charges. Certain drug crimes carry these penalties as well.

Class C Felony

Each Class C Felony can carry up to 15 years of imprisonment. A person can get charged with this if they are charged with manslaughter, CSC in the 2nd degree, DUI causing death, and Robbery.

Class D Felony

Human trafficking, larceny of property with a value greater than $20,000, and embezzlement can all carry this felony charge. Class D Felonies can lead to up to 10 years of imprisonment.

Class E Felony

This charge can lead to up to 5 years in prison. Possession of a firearm or dangerous weapon with unlawful intent can lead to this felony class. Home invasion and a 3rd DUI can also lead to this.

Class F Felony

Some drug charges like distribution of marijuana and felonious assault can lead to this. Fraudulent loan applications also fall under this class. This class has a prison time of up to 4 years.

Class G and Class H Felony

A second or subsequent domestic assault charge can lead to a Class G charge. Another chargeable offense is writing a bad check of over $500. Class H felonies are what some states might call wobbler crimes. These crimes can sometimes be punished through alternative programs like jail-time, probation, court-ordered treatment, and monitoring.

Is a High Court Misdemeanor a Felony in Michigan?

Despite the name, a high court misdemeanor is a felony under state law. High Court Misdemeanors are punishable by up to 2 years in jail. A regular misdemeanor can be punishable by up to a year in jail. A High Court misdemeanor is considered a felony because of the court ruling found in People v. Washington. These charges can lead to up to $2,000 in fines too.