A felony in the District of Columbia is a criminal offense for which a sentence of imprisonment of one year or more can be imposed.
Felony Sentencing and Convictions in DC
The District of Columbia only classifies certain felonious crimes as “Class A” crimes. Generally, these are reserved for more serious offenses. Other crimes are defined in individual statutes which include the specific penalty for the offense. The following provides several examples of the felony offenses and the maximum sentences imposed.
Class A Felony: murder in the first degree, murder in the second degree, manslaughter, kidnapping, first degree sexual abuse, first degree child sexual abuse
Sentencing: 30 years up to life imprisonment
Felony Crimes without Classifications and the Sentences:
- Second degree child sexual abuse-20 years imprisonment
- Second degree sexual abuse-20 years imprisonment
- Arson/Burning one's own property with intent to defraud or injure another- 15 years imprisonment
- Third degree sexual abuse-10 years imprisonment
- Third degree child sexual abuse-10 years imprisonment
- Attempted robbery- up to 3 years imprisonment
- Robbery—from 2 to 15 years imprisonment
Washington DC Felony Records and Expungement
The District of Columbia does not permit a felony record expungement for any felony except for a violation of the Bail Reform Act.
Statute of Limitations for Felonies
The following are the time limits in which to prosecute a criminal felony case in the District of Columbia:
- No limitation: 1st degree murder, 2nd degree murder
- 9 years: offenses involving official misconduct, fraud or breach of fiduciary trust
- 6 years: other felonies in the 1st or 2nd degree
- 3 years: all other felonies
View all Washington DC Statute of Limitations
Help from a Lawyer in the District of Columbia for Felony Charges
If one is charged with a felony in the District of Columbia, one should consider retaining an experienced criminal attorney. An experienced attorney can not only review one’s case in order to determine what options one may have, but also an attorney can help to preserve one’s rights.
