Offense Classes in Michigan (With minimum sentencing guideline ranges)
Note: Anything over a year is prison, and anything less is jail. Also, it is extremely unlikely that the low end would be met on any offense higher than a Class E felony. Finally, Habitual offender status may impact the guidelines below. This is merely to give you a basic understanding of the offense classes in Michigan.
Offense Classes:
Class M2 Felony
Example:
2nd Degree Murder
Sentencing
Minimum: 90-150 months, or 7.5-12.5 years on the low end.
Maximum: Life.
Class A Felony
Example
Assault with a deadly weapon with the INTENT to rob, steal, or kidnap.
Sentencing
Minimum: 21-35 months, or 1.75 years to 2.91 years on the low end.
Maximum: Life.
Class B Felony
Example
Production of child pornography.
Sentencing
Minimum: 0-18 months, or probation to 1.5 years on the low end.
Maximum: 20 years.
Class C Felony
Example
Manslaughter.
Sentencing
Minimum: 0-11 months, or probation to jail time on the low end.
Maximum: 15 years.
Class D Felony
Example
Embezzlement of 20-50k.
Sentencing
Minimum: 0-6 months, or probation to jail time on the low end.
Maximum: 10 years.
Class E Felony
Example
Carrying a firearm with unlawful intent. Also, first degree retail fraud.
Sentencing
Minimum: 0-3 months, or probation to jail time on the low end.
Maximum: 5 years.
Class F Felony
Example
Unauthorized loan and credit application.
Sentencing
Minimum: 0-3 months, or probation to jail time on the low end.
Maximum: 4 years.
Class G Felony
Example
Writing a known bad check over $500.
Sentencing
Minimum: 0-3 months, or probation to jail time on the low end.
Maximum: 2 years.
Misdemeanor
Example
Intentional discharge of a firearm (without intent to injure)
Sentencing
Minimum: Probation.
Maximum: 1-year jail time.
Note
Any misdemeanor that can result in more than a year of incarceration is technically a Felony for sentencing purposes.
Civil Infraction
Example
Minor in possession
Sentencing
Minimum: Fine
Maximum: Fine, plus probation.
Note:
Minor in possession is one of the rare civil infractions that can result in a probationary period of sorts. Most civil infractions will result in a fine.