Criminal offenses can fall under a misdemeanor or felony charge. Harassment, public intoxication, and DUI are a few examples of misdemeanor crimes. Felonies are more serious than misdemeanors. They include things like rape and murder.

In Indiana, the courts use sentencing guidelines to determine the appropriate penalty for a conviction. The judge can also consider other factors, such as the severity of the crime, the defendant’s criminal history, and the victim’s age, to reduce or increase the prison term they choose.

Sentencing guidelines for misdemeanor offenses are below.

Class C misdemeanor

• No more than 60 days imprisonment
• Up to a $500 fine

Class B misdemeanor

• Imprisonment for a maximum of 180 days
• No more than a $1,000 fine
   

Class A misdemeanor

• Up to one-year imprisonment
• Maximum of a $5,000 fine

Felony sentencing guidelines are below.

Class D or Level 6 felony

Class D felonies involve offenses committed before July 1, 2014. Sentencing includes:

• Six months to three years imprisonment
• No more than a $10,000 fine

Certain crimes committed after June 30, 2014, are considered Level 6 felonies and can result in these penalties:

• Up to a $10,000 fine
• Between six months and two and a half years in prison

Class C or Level 5 felony

A crime committed before July 1, 2014, can lead to a Class C felony charge and sentences to include:

• No more than a $10,000 fine
• Prison term between two and eight years

Level 5 felonies are offenses committed after June 30, 2014. This type of conviction is punishable by:

• Between one a six years in prison
• Up to a $10,000 fine

Level 4 felony

• A maximum of a $10,000 fine
• Between two and twelve years in prison

Class B or Level 3 felony

Class B felonies involve offenses committed before July 1, 2014. They can result in sentencing of:

• 6 to 20 years in prison
• No more than a $10,000 fine

A crime committed after June 30, 2014, is considered a Level 3 felony with these penalties:

• Between 3 and 16 years in prison
• A maximum of a $10,000 fine

Level 2 felony

• Prison term of 10 to 30 years
• No more than a $10,000 fine

Class A or Level 1 felony

Class A felonies include offenses committed before July 1, 2014, and are punishable by:

• Up to a $10,000 fine
• Between 20 and 50 years in prison

Crimes committed after June 30, 2014, are Level 1 felonies. Sentencing can include:

• Prison term of 20 to 40 years
• No more than a $10,000 fine

Imprisonment isn’t always the chosen punishment. Some judges are more lenient and will order alternative sentencing to first-time and non-violent offenders.

Probation is a common penalty for defendants who could be rehabilitated and would benefit more from serving their sentence within the community instead of inside a jail cell.

Successful completion of probation means meeting all conditions set by the court, such as:

• Attend counseling, therapy, or another treatment program
• Random home visits by the probation officer
• Avoid possessing or using a firearm
• Maintain adequate employment
• Stay away from certain locations and the victim of the crime
• Submit to random drug and alcohol testing
• Complete community service hours
• Check in with a probation officer regularly

Community corrections is another alternative sentence to imprisonment. The judge might order a work release program or home detention for eligible offenders.