In
Felony Sentencing and Convictions in Virginia
There are six classes of felonies in
| Felony Classification | Criminal Charge | Sentencing: Jail Time and Fines |
| Class 1 Felony |
| Death, imprisonment for life and a fine up to $100,000.00 |
| Class 2 Felony |
| Imprisonment for life or for a minimum of 20 years and a fine of up to $100,000.00 |
| Class 3 Felony |
| Imprisonment for 5-20 years and a fine of up to $100,000.00 |
| Class 4 Felony |
| Imprisonment for 2-10 years and a fine of up to $100,000.00 |
| Class 5 Felony |
| The jury or court may choose imprisonment for one to 10 years or jail for up to 12 months and a fine of up to $2,500, either or both. |
| Class 6 Felony |
| The jury or court may choose imprisonment for one to five years or jail for up to 12 months and a fine of up to $2,500, either or both. |
Virginia Felony Records and Expungement
Generally, in
Statute of Limitations for Felonies
The following limitations apply to the prosecution of certain types of examples of felonies in the State of
- No limitation: Murder, manslaughter
- 20 years: kidnapping, arson, manslaughter, rape, sexual offenses
- 10 years: grand larceny, tax crimes, sexual offenses
- 5 years: cruelty to animals, petit larceny
- 3 years: malfeasance in public office
- 2 years: making false presentation under VA Unemployment Compensation Act to receive benefits, attempt to evade or failure to pay taxes, violation of laws in the discharge, dumping, or emission of a toxic substance
See all Criminal Statutes of Limitations in Virginia
Help from a Lawyer in Virginia
If one is charged with a felony in
