Federal Class A Misdemeanors

When you are facing criminal charges, it’s important to understand what you are being accused of. A major part of that is knowing the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor. Federal misdemeanors are less serious than felonies, but a Class A misdemeanor is the most serious misdemeanor you can commit. Depending on the circumstances, it can be considered a felony.

If you or someone you know are facing Class A misdemeanor charges, it’s time to contact a misdemeanor lawyer. Our experienced federal prison consultants can assist you through every step of your prison term.

Call the Zoukis Consulting Group now to schedule a consultation.

What Is a Class A Misdemeanor?

Federal misdemeanors and felonies are divided into classes, typically Class A, B, C, and D. Class A is the most serious class of misdemeanors, and Class D is the least serious. Some states have a more detailed breakdown, but four is the typical number of classes.

A Class A misdemeanor is punishable by the maximum fine and jail time for a misdemeanor: up to one year in jail and up to $100,000 in fines. If a crime has a longer sentence than one year, it is considered a felony. A misdemeanor may also be classified as a felony in the case of aggravating factors, which depend on your jurisdiction.

There are also mitigating factors that may reduce your sentence. Mitigating factors include your mental state, if this is your first offense, or if you played only a minor role in the overall crime.

What Crimes Are Class A Misdemeanors?

The crimes that fit into the category vary depending on your jurisdiction, but some are consistently considered a Class A misdemeanor in most states.

DUI (driving under the influence)

• Taking drugs and drinking alcohol impairs your senses, and if you choose to drive a vehicle while impaired by a substance, you can be charged with a DUI.
• You are legally considered to be intoxicated if your blood alcohol content is 0.08% or above.
• The severity of the crime depends on how many offenses you have committed. The first offense is a misdemeanor but could be upgraded to a felony if you have caused damage to property or the injury of another person. If this is not your first drunk driving offense, you are more likely to face felony charges.
• You can be ticketed, fined, arrested, and even charged for driving while intoxicated.

Trespassing 

Trespassing is defined as entering a property without permission from the property owner or refusing to leave a property when asked to do so. If you wander onto a property without knowing you aren’t allowed there, you have not trespassed, but if you are asked to leave and refuse, you can be charged with trespassing.

Domestic Violence and Assault 

Both domestic violence and assault are Class A misdemeanors, depending on the degree of the crime.

Domestic violence is classified as physical or psychological abuse between adults. This means that any action that causes or threatens violence to family members, spouses, or a resident of your household is considered domestic violence. Specific kinds of domestic violence include harassment, stalking, and sexual abuse.

Assault is slightly different from domestic violence. It is not limited to family or members of your household. You can be charged with assault if you “intentionally [place] another individual in reasonable apprehension of imminent bodily harm or offensive contact.”

You do not necessarily have to strike someone to be charged with assault. If you brandish a weapon at someone, you are committing assault, even if the weapon is non-deadly, or in the case of a firearm, even if the weapon isn’t loaded.

Other Class A Misdemeanors

Other crimes that are considered Class A misdemeanors in most states include:

• Theft (depending on the value of the stolen goods) 
• Shoplifting
• Petty larceny
• Graffiti and vandalism
• Computer hacking
• Prostitution
• Resisting arrest
• Possession of a controlled substance
• Perjury
• Indecent exposure

Prosecution and Penalties

A class A misdemeanor may fall just shy of being a felony, but there are still serious penalties for committing a misdemeanor. The penalties for a Class A misdemeanor include:

• Jail time 1 year or less but more than 6 months
• Maximum fine of $100,000
• Probation 0-5 years

Also, note that the maximum fine for a misdemeanor is $250,000 if the crime resulted in death. If the offender is an organization rather than an individual, the maximum fine is doubled.

Hire a Defense Lawyer for Your Class A Misdemeanors

If you need a misdemeanor lawyer, our team is ready to answer your questions and help you. We specialize in criminal defense, prison preparation, in-prison matters, and reentry back into society.

Call the Zoukis Consulting Group now to start benefiting from our defense and prison consultant teams.

Published Feb 15, 2022 by Christopher Zoukis, JD, MBA | Last Updated by Christopher Zoukis, JD, MBA on Aug 7, 2023 at 12:19 am