In the USA, a misdemeanor under the Federal Criminal Code is a punishable crime either by paying a fine or serving a jail term. Class A misdemeanor is considered less serious than a felony, but more than a violation. The crimes that are defined under Class A misdemeanor are often classified based on the jurisdiction of the crime committed.
What is referred to as a misdemeanor?
It is a crime that is susceptible to a jail term or a fine but is considered less serious than a felony charge. When an individual is charged with a misdemeanor charge, he/she must take it seriously as it is more than a violation and a conviction can prove to be a bad reputation on the image of the accused individual. Bail bonds are possible in the majority of the class A misdemeanor cases.
Classifying misdemeanor charges?
Misdemeanor crimes are categorized into three groups.
- Class A misdemeanor
- Class B misdemeanor
- Class C misdemeanor
Class C misdemeanor is considered the least severe on the list, while Class A is the most serious one. A misdemeanor charge usually carries a penalty of less than a year and a fine of not more than $4000. The fine depends on the seriousness of the crime along with the jurisdiction. Though it is considered less offensive than felonies can have serious implications for those committing the crime.
Common Class A misdemeanor crimes
The list is given below:
- Domestic violence
- Hacking computer systems
- Prostitution
- Shoplifting
- Vandalism
- Assault
- Trespassing
- Graffiti
- Perjury
- Resisting an arrest
- Theft of a certain amount
- Controlled substance possession
- Exposing indecently
- Traffic violations
class A misdemeanor crimes might be considered felonies when aggravating factors are engaged. This will include more severe penalty sentences and fines.
Penalties for Class A misdemeanors
Individuals found guilty of Class misdemeanors are usually sentenced to between six months and one year in a local prison. Fines imposed depend on the seriousness of the crimes and the jurisdiction. Some states might impose up to $2500, while other states might impose a larger fine. But, the fine cannot be imposed more than $4000.
Out of all the three misdemeanors classifications, Class A is the most serious one, and penalties reflect it. Since a Class A misdemeanor is not considered a felony, it doesn’t mean in any way that there cannot be severe implications. Some cases might include the maximum jail term along with the highest penalty amount.
First-time offenders have fewer possibilities of receiving maximum penalties. Several factors are involved in the imposition of penalties by the court. For instance, the criminal background or the history of the accused, the presence of an aggravating factor, etc., play a key role.
Conclusion
If one is in an unfortunate position, especially related to class A misdemeanor arrests, it shouldn’t be taken lightly. There is every possibility of getting bail bonds, but if the charge is equivalent to a felony, granting bail is difficult. Individuals tied up in such cases must seek guidance and professional assistance from experts in the field to avoid hassles in the future and get easy bail grants.
