What are felonies and misdemeanors?
Crimes were traditionally classified as felonies (serious crimes punishable by more than one year in prison) and misdemeanors (less serious crimes punishable by one year or less in jail). Maine no longer uses these categories, but classifies crimes as follows: • Class E: Crimes punishable by up to six months incarceration and a $1,000 fine • Class D: Crimes punishable by up to 364 days incarceration and a $2,000 fine • Class C: Crimes punishable by up to 5 years incarceration and a $5,000 fine • Class B: Crimes punishable by up to ten years incarceration and a $20,000 fine • Class A: Crimes punishable by up to 40 years incarceration and a $50,000 fine Some crimes fall outside of these classifications. For example, murder is punishable by a term of imprisonment of between 25 years and life. Special rules may also apply. For example, convicted organizations may be sentenced to pay fines in excess of those listed above.
