POTENTIAL SENTENCE
Minimum and Maximum Sentences
The severity of the sentence you can face depends on the degree of the offense with which you are being charged.
Felonies are reserved for the more serious crimes. They are punishable by prison time, which means you could face greater than one year in the state department of corrections. A capital felony is the highest charge you can face, followed by a Life felony, then a 1st degree, a 2nd degree, and finally a 3rd degree. Certain charges can carry a mandatory minimum sentence, while others may not, but may still "score out" to prison time.
Misdemeanors involve less serious crimes. They are punishable by jail time, which means you could face up to 1 year in a county correctional facility. A first-degree misdemeanor is the more significant charge, followed by a 2nd degree misdemeanor.
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Any criminal charge can potentially carry a jail sentence and should not be taken lightly. It is important to have the assistance of a well-qualified attorney anytime you are facing a criminal charge. Learn more about sentencing below and contact the Ford Law Office for a free consultation.
FELONY CHARGES
Maximum Sentences
Capital Felony
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Death or Life in Prison
Life Felony
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Life in Prison
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$15,000 Fine
1st Degree
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​30 Years Prison
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30 Years Probation
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$10,000 Fine
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2nd Degree
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15 Years Prison
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15 Years Probation
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$10,000 Fine
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3rd Degree
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5 Years Prison
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5 Years Probation
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$5,000 Fine
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SCORESHEET
What your numbers mean to you
Any time you are charged with a felony, a scoresheet is created. All crimes are categorized into different offense levels. Your current charges are assigned a number based on the level of offense of that particular charge. Your score sheet also takes into account any prior charges you may have had, as well as certain aggravating factors which can increase your score. These numbers are added together to become part of your score.
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If the total number of points is 44 or higher, then the number is put through a mathematical equation that produces a score. That score translates to the lowest number of months in prison you can legally be sentenced to if you are found guilty of all of your charges. However, if the judge finds that there are legal grounds to depart from the sentence your score calls for, he or she can sentence you to less then what the guidelines demands. This is where being represented by a seasoned attorney who is familiar with the legal reasons for a downward departure can benefit you.
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Contact the Ford Law Office for a review of your scoresheet.
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