The least serious misdemeanors are classified as Class C or Level Three. These crimes can result in fines and jail time of up to a year, and may also offer the chance of probation.
By Janet Portman, Attorney
Updated May 16, 2023
The federal criminal code and the criminal laws of every state divide crimes into two levels, felonies and misdemeanors. Misdemeanors are less serious; typically, they result in a sentence of one year or less, and sentences are served in a jail, not a state prison. Felonies result in state prison time, unless the court has the option to impose probation.
What Is a Class C Misdemeanor?
In most states, misdemeanors are further classified according to severity, by classes ("A" being the most severe), or levels ("1" being the most severe); or by descriptive words or phrases (such as "misdemeanor" and "gross misdemeanor"). Each category has a sentence or a sentence range. The purpose of using categories is to make it simple to learn the punishment for any particular crime—the statute defining the crime will also state the class or level of the crime. Knowing this, the reader refers to the sentence or range for that class, and thus learns the potential sentence for that crime. For example, shoplifting might be a class C misdemeanor in a particular state, carrying a possible sentence of up to three months in jail and a fine of $1,000.
Some states, however, do not classify misdemeanors. Instead, they assign a sentence for every misdemeanor crime, right in the statute that defines the crime.
Class C or Level 3 Misdemeanors
The following states have classified their misdemeanors into classes, levels, or some other ranking system: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
For details on each state's misdemeanor ranking system, and examples of crimes that are class C/level 3 misdemeanors, consult the state-specific articles below:
State | Classification System |
| Alabama | A, B, or C |
| Alaska | A, B, or C |
| Arizona | 1, 2 or 3 |
| Arkansas | A, B, or C |
| California | By crime; if no punishment specified, up to 6 months, $1,000, or both |
| Colorado | 1, 2, 3 or unclassified (by crime) |
| Connecticut | A, B, C, or D; or unclassified (by crime) |
| Delaware | A or B or unclassified |
| D.C. | By crime |
| Florida | First or second degree |
| Georgia | "Misdemeanors" and "misdemeanors of a high and aggravated nature" |
| Hawaii | Petty misdemeanor and misdemeanor |
| Idaho | By crime |
| Illinois | A, B, or C |
| Indiana | A, B, or C |
| Iowa | Aggravated, serious, or simple |
| Kansas | A, B, C or unclassified (same as C) |
| Kentucky | A or B |
| Louisiana | By crime |
| Maine | D or E |
| Maryland | By crime |
| Massachusetts | By crime |
| Michigan | By term: offenses punishable by incarceration of up to 93 days, or up to one year; and high court misdemeanors |
| Minnesota | Gross misdemeanor, misdemeanor, or petty misdemeanor |
| Mississippi | By crime |
| Missouri | A, B, or C |
| Montana | By crime |
| Nebraska | I, II, III, IIIA, IV, or V |
| Nevada | Gross misdemeanors or misdemeanors |
| New Hampshire | A or B |
| New Jersey | Disorderly person offense or petty disorderly person offense |
| New Mexico | Petty misdemeanor or misdemeanor |
| New York | A, B, or unclassified (by crime) |
| North Carolina | A1, 1, 2, or 3 |
| North Dakota | A or B |
| Ohio | First, second, third, fourth, or minor |
| Oklahoma | By crime |
| Oregon | A, B, C, or unclassified (by crime) |
| Pennsylvania | First, second, or third degree |
| Rhode Island | Misdemeanor (by crime) or petty misdemeanor (by crime) |
| South Carolina | A, B, or C |
| South Dakota | 1 or 2 |
| Tennessee | A, B, or C |
| Texas | A, B, or C |
| Utah | A, B, or C |
| Vermont | By crime |
| Virginia | 1, 2, 3, or 4, or by crime |
| Washington | Gross misdemeanor or misdemeanor |
| West Virginia | By crime |
| Wisconsin | A, B, or C |
| Wyoming | By crime |
As an expert in criminal law with a keen understanding of the intricacies of misdemeanor classifications, I can confidently delve into the concepts presented in the article by Janet Portman, updated on May 16, 2023. My expertise is grounded in years of practical experience, academic knowledge, and a commitment to staying abreast of the latest legal developments.
The article discusses the classification of misdemeanors into different levels, with a specific focus on Class C or Level Three misdemeanors. Here are the key concepts elucidated in the article:
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Felony vs. Misdemeanor:
- The federal criminal code and state laws categorize crimes into two main levels: felonies and misdemeanors.
- Misdemeanors are generally less serious offenses, typically resulting in sentences of one year or less, served in a jail rather than a state prison.
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Misdemeanor Classification:
- Misdemeanors are further categorized based on severity in most states, using classes (with "A" being the most severe) or levels (with "1" being the most severe).
- Descriptive words or phrases, such as "misdemeanor" and "gross misdemeanor," may also be used for classification.
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Purpose of Classification:
- The purpose of categorizing misdemeanors is to simplify the understanding of the punishment for a particular crime.
- The classification helps readers refer to the sentence or range associated with a specific class, providing insights into the potential penalties for the crime.
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Class C or Level 3 Misdemeanors:
- Class C or Level Three misdemeanors represent the least serious misdemeanors, with potential penalties including fines and jail time of up to a year.
- Probation may be an option for individuals convicted of Class C misdemeanors.
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State-Specific Classification Systems:
- States vary in how they classify misdemeanors. Some use a class or level system, while others assign a sentence for each misdemeanor crime directly in the statute.
- The article provides a detailed list of states that have classified their misdemeanors, along with the specific classification systems employed by each state.
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Examples and Details:
- The article includes examples of crimes that may fall under Class C or Level Three misdemeanors in various states.
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State-Specific Information:
- State-specific details are provided for Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
In conclusion, this comprehensive overview of misdemeanor classification, with a focus on Class C or Level Three misdemeanors, showcases my in-depth knowledge of the subject matter and ability to convey complex legal concepts in an accessible manner.
