What Is A Class 5 Felony In Virginia?
In Virginia, there are six classes of felony charges. A conviction of a Class 1 felony is the most serious and a conviction of a Class 6 felony is the least serious. Felony charges carry a potential for a sentence of greater than 1 year in jail. Drug charges, assault and aggravated assault, hit-and-run charges, possession, domestic violence, maiming or killing animals or fowl, bribery, computer fraud, willful neglect, bribery, and larceny comes under Class 5 felony.
A Class 5 felony is a serious crime in Virginia, however, it is included in one of the lowest classification of felonies making it possible in some states to avoid a prison term. In Virginia, Class 5 crimes are known as wobblers because they can be sentenced as either felonies or misdemeanors depending on the particular situation of the crime. Having a felony reduced to a misdemeanor can make a huge difference for an offender because it is much easier to remove or set aside a misdemeanor conviction as opposed to a felony conviction.
This kind of felony varies in each state. Some states do not even have Class 5 felonies. Fines can be doubled along with imprisonment terms depending on the state of residence.
You should keep in mind that any kind of felony conviction has severe consequences. A felony conviction will result in you losing certain rights such as vote, carry a firearm, etc.; qualify for any state or federal loans like home loans and student loans; bar you from certain employment, restrict your freedom to move or travel unless you clear it with your probation officer, prevent you from obtaining certain licenses issued by state agencies, among many other consequences, in addition to the possibility of prison time and court fines/costs, and possible driver’s license suspension.
A felony is generally defined as a serious crime, usually punishable by imprisonment for more than 1 year or by death. Accordingly, the grade of the offense is fixed by the punishment, and a Class 5 felonies is much serious offense. The punishment for the Class 5 felonies is a term of imprisonment of not less than 1 year nor more than 10 years, or in the option of the jury, or the court trying the case without a jury, imprisonment in jail for not more than 12 months and a fine of not more than $2,500, either or both.
A criminal defense attorney can support against possible sentencing enhancement that can be triggered by a variety of aggravating factors. If you have been charged with distribution which is a Class 5 felony, do not risk going to court without a lawyer in Virginia. Contact our law firm for help and speak with a felony defense attorney today. Regardless of whether you have been charged with a class 1 felony or class 6 felony in Virginia, we can help.
If you need the help of a criminal lawyer in Virginia who defends class 1 through class 6 felonies in Fairfax, Prince William (Manassas), Fauquier (Warrenton), Loudoun (Leesburg), Caroline, Stafford, Spotsylvania (Fredericksburg), Chesterfield, Henrico, Arlington, Richmond, Alexandria, Warren (Front Royal), Clarke, Shenandoah, King George, Charles City, Frederick (Winchester), Fredericksburg, Gloucester, Hanover, Hopewell, James City, King & Queen, King William, New Kent, Newport News, Petersburg, Prince George, Rappahannock, York, call our law firm immediately for help and speak to a lawyer about your options.
The SRIS Law Group can help you best possible outcome based on the facts of your case. If you wish to consult an SRIS Law Group, P.C. felony attorney in Virginia, call us at 855-696-3348.
