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What Is a Class 2 Felony?

Patrick Roland
Patrick Roland

In the United States, a felony is one of the most serious crimes for which a person can be charged. A class 2 felony can represent a variety of crimes, ranging from manslaughter to bigamy. The punishment for this type of felony is equally far ranging, often resulting in prison time and a large fine. This type of felony continues its punishment even after the convicted person is released from prison, because some of his or her rights are stripped away.

A felony, in the U.S. court system, is any crime that carries a punishment of more than one year in prison. These crimes are considered more serious in the eyes of the court system than lesser crimes, which are known as misdemeanors. After a felony is established, it is further classified by giving it a corresponding number or letter. Crimes can range from a class 1 felony to a class 6 felony, based on severity, although some states use a different cataloging system with letters representing the same classifications. For example, a class B felony is the same as a class 2 felony.

Those found guilty of a Class 2 felony are often sent to prison.
Those found guilty of a Class 2 felony are often sent to prison.

A class 2 felony usually is the second most serious type of felony, behind a class 1. The first class is reserved for violent crimes, such as murder. Class 2 felonies still can be violent, such as aggravated assault with a deadly weapon or manslaughter while intoxicated. In addition, a nonviolent crime such as possession of large amounts of marijuana, human trafficking, arson, robbery and even bigamy often is considered to be this type of crime.

Serious felonies may be punishable by death.
Serious felonies may be punishable by death.

The punishment for these crimes can vary greatly. Penalties for committing a class 2 felony are based on factors such as the severity of the crime, the defendant's previous prison record and intent. These felonies carry prison sentences ranging from two to 20 years. Also, they can have a fine added to the sentence as high as $10,000 US Dollars.

The prison time and financial loss associated with committing a felony in the U.S. are not the only punishment for a convicted felon. These people also lose the right to vote in any U.S. election, are ineligible for public office, cannot serve on a jury, cannot obtain certain licenses such as a visa and cannot legally own firearms or ammunition. Also, finding a job often is difficult because many employers will not hire anyone who has been convicted of a felony.

How Much is Bond for Class 2 Felony?

Human trafficking is considered a class 2 felony.
Human trafficking is considered a class 2 felony.

When someone is arrested on suspicion of a class 2 felony, they are taken to a local law enforcement agency, which is usually a county jail, where their fingerprints are recorded, photos are taken, and their background is investigated. They are then booked and may be eligible for bond.

Not everyone who is arrested is eligible for bond. Once a judge or other officer of the court has taken everything into account, including the violation and the person's background, the judge or officer will determine the amount of bail if it is in the best interest of the public to do so.

Factors that are taken into account to determine the set amount of bail include

  • perceived flight risk
  • serious nature of the crime allegedly committed
  • risk of continued criminal activity
  • potential risk to public safety
  • previous misdemeanor and felony convictions
Nonviolent crimes like possession of large amounts of marijuana are class 2 felonies.
Nonviolent crimes like possession of large amounts of marijuana are class 2 felonies.

Bail and bond are not the same things. Bond is a pledge to make good on the agreed-upon bail and conditions of release. Bail is the money paid on behalf of the defendant, usually by a bail bond company or bondsman, in exchange for a person's release from jail. In exchange for bail, the defendant agrees to return to court on a set date for the initial hearing.

The Gun Control Act of 1968 governs the sale and distribution of guns and their ammunition.
The Gun Control Act of 1968 governs the sale and distribution of guns and their ammunition.

Because class 2 felonies are serious in nature, the bond set for these types of offenses is generally much higher than those of a misdemeanor offense. Since the court takes so much into consideration when setting the price of a bail bond, it is impossible to state what the exact bond will be for each case; however, a defendant can expect it to be at least $25,000, and many times much higher.

Anyone accused of automobile theft who threatened or harmed the vehicle's owner or passengers will nearly always face felony charges.
Anyone accused of automobile theft who threatened or harmed the vehicle's owner or passengers will nearly always face felony charges.

Also, if a person has previously been convicted of a felony, they may not be provided a bond option at all. If they are, they can expect it to be in excess of $100,000. Because most families of defendants won't be able to come up with funds that high, if they want to post bond, a bail bondsman will need to be hired to post bail on behalf of the defendant. The bail bondsman will pay a fraction of the set bail in addition to a form of collateral.

When the defendant shows up to court, any bail paid by the defendant will be refunded, except in the case in which a bail bondsman was used, as the bondsman's fee to secure the bail is nonrefundable. For the bondsman, any collateral will be released.

How Serious is a Class 2 Felony?

Anyone being charged with a class 2 felony is in for a lengthy trial period with severe consequences should they be found guilty. Class 2 felonies include a range of offenses, including

  • child pornography
  • sexual assault
  • 1st-degree burglary
  • kidnapping
  • aggravated robbery
  • grand larceny
Felons are not allowed to own firearms.
Felons are not allowed to own firearms.

The full range of offenses will vary among the states that provide numbers or letters to felony offenses. As well, the result of living with a conviction will also vary by state. Having any felony conviction on your record can make life difficult, but when it is graded with a letter, and with class 2 being just second from the highest, it is an extremely serious charge to face.

Which States Use a Classification System that Includes 2 or B?

While some states address felonies by crime, the following states use a classification system that includes 2 or B for the second level of severity: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.

Not all of these states have the same number of levels, so what might constitute a second-level offense in one state could be a 3rd, 4th, or lowest-level offense in another state. As well, not all states have the same number of levels. Some may have 3 levels of felony offenses while others could have up to 6 or more. Even the levels can have sub-levels.

States and territories that don't use a classification system, but classify by crime or other types of systems are as follows: California, D.C., Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

To better understand how serious a class 2 felony is, it's best to familiarize yourself with your state's classification system for crimes. Any felony conviction carries heavy consequences that will be life-altering, but hopefully life-changing in the positive sense as well.

FAQ on Class 2 Felony

What is a Class 2 felony and how does it differ from other felony classes?

A Class 2 felony is a category of crime that is considered more serious than a Class 3 or Class 4 felony but less severe than a Class 1 or Class X felony. The classification system for felonies varies by jurisdiction, but typically, Class 2 felonies include crimes such as arson, kidnapping, and drug trafficking. The main difference between the classes is the severity of the punishment, with Class 2 felonies carrying heavier penalties than lower classes but not as severe as the highest classes.

What are the typical sentences for a Class 2 felony?

The sentences for a Class 2 felony can vary widely depending on the state and the specific circumstances of the crime. Generally, a Class 2 felony can result in a prison term ranging from 3 to 20 years. In some jurisdictions, fines for a Class 2 felony can also be imposed, potentially reaching tens of thousands of dollars. It's important to consult the specific laws of the state where the crime was committed for precise sentencing guidelines.

Can a Class 2 felony be expunged from my record?

Expungement of a Class 2 felony is possible in some cases, but it depends on the laws of the state where the conviction occurred. Some states may allow expungement if certain conditions are met, such as completing the sentence, fulfilling probation requirements, and demonstrating rehabilitation. However, violent or sexual offenses are often excluded from expungement eligibility. Legal advice from an attorney can provide guidance on whether expungement is an option for a specific case.

How does a Class 2 felony impact future employment opportunities?

Having a Class 2 felony on your record can significantly impact future employment opportunities. Employers often conduct background checks, and a felony conviction can disqualify candidates from certain jobs, especially those in law enforcement, education, or other positions of trust. Some employers, however, may consider the nature of the crime, the time elapsed since the conviction, and evidence of rehabilitation before making a hiring decision.

Are there any alternatives to incarceration for a Class 2 felony?

Alternatives to incarceration for a Class 2 felony may include probation, house arrest, community service, or participation in rehabilitation programs. These alternatives are often considered for first-time offenders, non-violent crimes, or when the court determines that the individual poses a low risk to society. The availability of such alternatives is subject to state laws and the discretion of the judge presiding over the case.

Discussion Comments

anon324950

I have a second degree felony which occurred almost five years ago. What can I do to get it removed?

anon303522

My child's father is facing five years for a class 2 felony. With good behavior, how early could he get out?

anon271050

One dollar each? I don't fully understand that, although it is very easy for a bail bondsmen to figure out a real name by comparing it to the crime in the area by working with law enforcement or whomever.

The time he faces depends on the state and of course, the actual crime. If he has been issued warrants at all, that simply means that he didn't show up to court and there will be an additional charge on top of the initial felony. What's the charge, and in what state?

anon249803

My husband is charged with a class 2 felony and has two bails which are worth one dollar each which are under a fake name he had given. The warrants were issued as long as three years ago. How long is he facing?

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    • Those found guilty of a Class 2 felony are often sent to prison.
      By: angelo.gi
      Those found guilty of a Class 2 felony are often sent to prison.
    • Serious felonies may be punishable by death.
      By: Dani Vincek
      Serious felonies may be punishable by death.
    • Human trafficking is considered a class 2 felony.
      By: Rafael Ben-Ari
      Human trafficking is considered a class 2 felony.
    • Nonviolent crimes like possession of large amounts of marijuana are class 2 felonies.
      By: Atomazul
      Nonviolent crimes like possession of large amounts of marijuana are class 2 felonies.
    • The Gun Control Act of 1968 governs the sale and distribution of guns and their ammunition.
      By: dinostock
      The Gun Control Act of 1968 governs the sale and distribution of guns and their ammunition.
    • Anyone accused of automobile theft who threatened or harmed the vehicle's owner or passengers will nearly always face felony charges.
      By: oneinchpunch
      Anyone accused of automobile theft who threatened or harmed the vehicle's owner or passengers will nearly always face felony charges.
    • Felons are not allowed to own firearms.
      By: Timo Darco
      Felons are not allowed to own firearms.