What are Class A, B, and C misdemeanors?

Unsure what are Class A, B, and C misdemeanors? Misdemeanors are less serious crimes than felonies. Sometimes, you could serve only community service or pay a minor fine for a misdemeanor. Even though the punishment ranges are lower, you shouldn’t ignore misdemeanor convictions and may wish to hire a lawyer so it is removed from your record

Read more: Is it worth hiring a lawyer for a misdemeanor?

Understanding the direct and indirect consequences of the misdemeanor classification system can help reduce the long-term consequences of a misdemeanor charge.

Keep reading to find out what crimes are Class A misdemeanors, what is a Class B misdemeanor, and what is a Class C misdemeanor. If you need further legal help, enter your ZIP code below. 

How Different States Classify Misdemeanors

State penal codes set classifications for misdemeanors. Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, and Texas use a series of letters to classify misdemeanors, including Class A, Class B, and Class C.

Class A misdemeanors are the highest level of misdemeanors. Class C misdemeanors are the lowest level. If you have no criminal history or minimal history, you can petition the court for probation or deferred adjudication, just like in a felony case.

However, your time on probation is much shorter with a misdemeanor, ranging from six months to two years. With a misdemeanor, you’re unlikely to face serious consequences like prison time or losing your voting rights.

If you’re convicted of felony offenses, however, some courts have mandatory sentencing laws, so your sentence is set when you’re convicted. Others leave it open to a judge’s discretion. Either way, a felony has much more serious effects on your eligibility for jobs, housing, and more.

Class A Misdemeanors

Class A misdemeanors are the most severe misdemeanors. Imagine getting into a heated argument and throwing a punch that lands and hurts someone. This type of assault altercation could land you in hot water with the law and be considered a Class A misdemeanor.

Learn more: What is assault?

Or you’ve come across a credit card that isn’t yours and thought of using it for your own gain. That’s a big no-no and could result in a Class A misdemeanor charge.

Some other examples of Class A misdemeanors include:

• A fistfight in which the accused person punches and hurts the victim may qualify as a misdemeanor assault
• If a person possesses a “personal identifying information access device” such as a credit card and wants to use that information fraudulently
• Letting a child be present at a place where drugs are possessed, sold, or produced
• Shoplifting
• Vandalism
• Resisting arrest

If you have a Class A misdemeanor, we recommend contacting a lawyer for assistance.

Read more: Where to Find a Lawyer

The maximums and minimums for Class A misdemeanors vary from state to state, but Class A misdemeanors typically come with the harshest sentence, usually up to a year in jail.

Class B Misdemeanors

Regarding Class B misdemeanors, several offenses could land you in hot water. Did you know that a first offense DWI is one of them? Or that exposing yourself indecently could also be considered a Class B misdemeanor?

Some examples of Class B misdemeanors include:

• First-offense DWI
• Indecent exposure
• Failure to pay child support
• Minor drug possession (up to two ounces)
• Harassment
• False report to a police officer
• Criminal trespass and criminal mischief

Class B misdemeanors can be punished with a jail sentence ranging from 90 to 180 days. However, in some cases, these jail sentences may be waived in favor of fees, community service, or house arrest.

Class C Misdemeanors

Class C misdemeanors encompass many crimes, from minor driving infractions to more serious offenses. Did you know that a traffic ticket could land you in this category? Or what about if you’re caught in public while intoxicated? That’s right — it’s considered a Class C misdemeanor.

But it’s not just alcohol-related crimes that fall under this category. Simple assault, criminal trespassing, illegal gambling, bail jumping, leaving a child in a vehicle, and even possessing alcoholic beverages in a motor vehicle are all considered Class C misdemeanors.

Crimes identified as Class C misdemeanors are:

• Traffic tickets
• Public intoxication
• Simple assault
• Criminal trespassing
• Gambling
• Bail jumping
• Leaving a child in a vehicle
• Possession of alcoholic beverages in a motor vehicle
• Minor driving under the influence of alcohol

If you have a clean record or only a minor criminal history, you may have the chance to petition the court for probation or deferred adjudication. Probationary periods for Class C misdemeanors tend to be shorter, lasting anywhere from just half a year to two whole years.

Now, while a misdemeanor Class conviction may not land you behind bars or strip away your right to vote, it can still show up during routine background checks, potentially putting a damper on your chances of getting approved for housing or landing your dream job. So make sure to contact a lawyer for assistance, whether you need help with DUI trial tips or a simple assault trial.

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Difference Between Felonies and Misdemeanors

Imagine driving down the road, and suddenly, a police car pulls you over. You start to feel anxious as the officer approaches your window. What did you do? Did you break the law? The answer to that question can mean the difference between a minor inconvenience and a life-changing event. If you were speeding, you might be facing a misdemeanor charge and should familiarize yourself with your legal rights in traffic court.

A misdemeanor is a less serious crime that is typically punished by fines, community service, or a short time in jail. For example, a first-time DUI conviction is usually a misdemeanor.

On the other hand, a felony is a more serious crime that is often punished by a long-term stay in either a state or federal prison. For example, armed robbery, murder, and kidnapping are all felonies.

In other words, a misdemeanor is like getting a speeding ticket, while a felony is like being charged with robbery. The difference in consequences is significant.

However, don’t be fooled by the lower punishment range for misdemeanors. Ignoring a misdemeanor conviction can have long-lasting consequences, so it’s important to understand the direct and indirect impact of the misdemeanor classification system to minimize any negative effects.

Sentences for Misdemeanors

If a defendant does not qualify for probation, they can be sentenced to county jail time. Felony sentences are served in state institutions, whereas misdemeanors are usually served in a local county facility. The maximums and minimums for Class A, B, and C misdemeanors are different in every state.

However, Class A misdemeanors receive the highest sentence, generally up to one year in county jail. Class B misdemeanors are punished between 90-180 days in county jail. Class C misdemeanors receive the least amount of time, usually 30 days or less. In some cases, these jail sentences are waived in favor of fees and/or community service or house arrest.

Some states only assess fines for Class C misdemeanors. Even though the time in county jail is significantly less, the time away from home can be a major inconvenience to employment, financial, and family obligations.

Punishment Enhancements for Misdemeanor Offenses

In addition to the general guidelines discussed above, some types of misdemeanor offenses will carry enhanced punishments or collateral penalties. For example, in Texas, a Class A misdemeanor theft can be enhanced to a felony if a defendant has two other theft convictions (regardless of the level).

A person convicted of any grade of theft in Texas cannot serve on a jury. Most states will automatically suspend a defendant’s driver’s license after a misdemeanor DWI or drug conviction. Certain indecency statutes, like indecent exposure, can result in a sex offender registration requirement. Any sex offender registration requirement will have a significant impact on your future. Whether you’re looking for housing or a job, many people only look at the registration status, not the details.

A Class A misdemeanor assault can result in the deportation of a defendant who is not a U.S. citizen. Because there are so many collateral consequences to a misdemeanor conviction, a defendant should never accept an “easy time-served” offer without really seeking to understand how that conviction will affect them once they leave the courthouse.

The good news is that many courts are increasingly concerned with repeat offenders. As such, many courts have begun implementing diversion programs where misdemeanor defendants can participate in specialized counseling or treatment programs with an agreement that their charges will be dismissed after the completion of the program.

Because of financial constraints, many counties allow defendants to serve their time on the weekends in jail so as not to interfere with a defendant’s employment. If jails are particularly full, counties may also release defendants they deem less threatening early.

Navigating Misdemeanors: Case Studies in Utilizing Insurance for Different Offenses

Case Study 1: Legal Liability Insurance for Class A Misdemeanor Assault

In this case study, an individual is charged with a Class A misdemeanor assault. Recognizing the potential legal consequences and financial liabilities associated with the offense, the individual had previously obtained legal liability insurance coverage. The insurance policy covers legal expenses, court fees, and potential damages. The individual contacts their insurance provider, and a defense attorney is assigned to their case.

The attorney works on building a strong defense strategy and negotiates with the prosecution. As a result, the individual’s charges are reduced to a lesser offense, and they receive a more favorable outcome in court. Legal liability insurance helps mitigate the financial burden and ensures the individual receives proper legal representation.

Case Study 2: Automobile Insurance for Class B Misdemeanor Reckless Driving

In this case study, a driver is charged with a Class B misdemeanor for reckless driving. The driver had previously obtained comprehensive automobile insurance coverage. The reckless driving offense resulted in property damage and injuries to other parties involved in the accident. The driver contacts their insurance company to report the incident and files a claim for the damages.

The insurance company investigates the accident and covers the repair costs for the damaged vehicles, as well as medical expenses for the injured parties. The automobile insurance policy provides financial protection for the driver and helps cover the liabilities associated with the misdemeanor offense.

Case Study 3: Professional Liability Insurance for Class C Misdemeanor Malpractice

In this case study, a healthcare professional is charged with a Class C misdemeanor for medical malpractice. The healthcare professional had previously obtained professional liability insurance coverage, also known as malpractice insurance.

A patient filed a complaint against the healthcare professional alleging negligence in their treatment. The healthcare professional notifies their insurance provider and receives legal representation from the insurer’s network of attorneys.

The attorney defends the healthcare professional’s case and negotiates a settlement on their behalf. The professional liability insurance policy covers the legal expenses, settlement costs, and any damages awarded to the patient. Insurance coverage helps protect the healthcare professional’s reputation and financial well-being in the face of a misdemeanor charge.

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The Final Word on Class A, B, and C Misdemeanors

Criminal classifications can be confusing, but every state recognizes lesser crimes known as misdemeanors. For instance, if you dare to enter someone else’s vehicle, aircraft, watercraft, or snowmobile without permission, be prepared to face the consequences of a Class A misdemeanor.

And if you thought shoplifting was just a harmless crime, think again. Depending on the state, it could be classified as a Class B misdemeanor, resulting in up to six months in jail and a hefty $2,000 fine. Even if you’re facing a Class C misdemeanor, you shouldn’t take this charge lightly. These crimes will be recorded on your criminal history and could return to haunt you.

Remember that it’s important to be informed about the laws in your area and always seek the advice of a qualified legal professional if you have any questions. Input your ZIP code into our search bar and discover a wealth of experienced lawyers ready to offer you their guidance and representation on any legal matter you may face.

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