{"id":352194,"date":"2023-08-15T17:15:03","date_gmt":"2023-08-15T22:15:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/criminal\/criminal-law-basics\/classifications-of-crimes.html"},"modified":"2026-02-23T08:43:26","modified_gmt":"2026-02-23T13:43:26","slug":"classifications-of-crimes","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-law-basics\/classifications-of-crimes.html","title":{"rendered":"Classifications of Crimes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Classifications of Crimes<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Crime classifications are legal categories that organize offenses by severity. Each category carries different penalties and consequences. The three main types are infractions<\/span>, misdemeanors<\/span>, and felonies. These classifications determine not only potential sentences but also long-term effects on voting rights, employment, and other aspects of life.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

The type of\u00a0criminal offense<\/span>\u00a0influences both the substance and procedure of the\u00a0criminal charge<\/span>. It\u2019s important to understand the difference between minor offenses, such as\u00a0infractions<\/span>, and serious offenses, such as felonies. If you are facing any type of criminal charge<\/span>, it\u2019s a good idea to seek legal advice<\/span> from a criminal defense<\/span> attorney<\/span><\/a>. They can guide you through understanding the charges you face, explain the factors surrounding the case, and ensure that your rights are protected.<\/p>\n

Infractions<\/span>, Misdemeanors<\/span>, and Felonies<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Knowing how these three categories work can help you understand what penalties you might face. Each type of offense brings different consequences that may go beyond your sentence. They can affect your ability to find work, your voting rights, and other important parts of your life.<\/p>\n

Infractions<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Infractions<\/span>\u00a0are the least serious\u00a0type of crime<\/span>. In most instances involving an infraction<\/span>, law enforcement will see someone doing something wrong and write a ticket. The person then has to pay a fine.\u00a0These fines\u00a0usually range from $25 to $1,000, depending on where you are and the violation involved.<\/p>\n

For example, in Washington State, a Class 4 civil infraction<\/span> could result in\u00a0a fine of $25<\/a>. A more serious Class 1 civil infraction<\/span> could result in a fine of up to $1,000.<\/p>\n

Infractions<\/span><\/a>\u00a0usually involve little to no time in court and almost no risk of imprisonment. Examples include:<\/p>\n