Section 7 Classification of Offenses

• Library: Criminal Code Revision History & Overview 2014

The pre-Revised Code classified offenses into four felony and three misdemeanor categories, adding a new category of offense: infractions. In contrast with the three felony and two misdemeanor categories recommended by the Model Penal Code (American Law Institute 1981), the pre-Revised Code added an additional category to each, for a total of four felonies and three misdemeanors. The Revised Code retains this basic framework and makes similar additions to it. In the Revised Code, there are five classes of felonies and four classes of misdemeanors. The Revised Code includes a class E felony, but in reality, the class C felony represents the new felony category.

Under the Revised Code, the two highest felony classes remain unchanged:

· Class A felonies are punishable by a term of imprisonment of 10 to 30 years, or life.

· Class B felonies are punishable by a term of 5 to 15 years.

The terms of imprisonment for...