What is a Class 6 Felony?
Felonies are considered to be more serious as criminal offenses than misdemeanors in Virginia as well as throughout the U.S. Every state classifies its felonies in its own way according to the seriousness of the offense. In the state of Virginia, Class 6 felonies are considered the least serious felonies. However, despite the fact that it is punished less severely, a Class Six felony still has ramifications that could be considered collateral damage to your life after a conviction along with the criminal penalties you will face.
Class six felonies in Virginia carry the following penalties:
- One year up to five years of incarceration in a state prison
- Up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500 (in cases where it is treated as a misdemeanor)
Other penalties may be involved depending on the nature of the offense, such as license suspension, minimum mandatory time spent in jail, community service hours, and other court-ordered programs as determined by the court.
Examples of Class Six Felonies in Virginia
Many types of crimes fall into the category of a class six felony. These can include:
- Reckless endangerment
- A third DUI conviction within five years
- Certain violations of a court order
- Repeat domestic violence crimes
- Repeat larcenies
- Strangulation
Collateral Damage of a Felony Conviction
Along with the above-mentioned criminal penalties, a class six felony also generally results in the loss of certain rights, such as the right to vote, to hold public office, to own a gun, and to obtain certain state or federal professional licenses. For example, as a convicted felon you may not be able to qualify for a license to sell real estate, become a nurse, teacher, pharmacist, electrician, plumber, or professional pilot. These are only a few examples. Furthermore, you may have difficulty obtaining a job, qualifying for educational loans, or finding housing due to the fact that your criminal record will be accessible through a background check that can be run by potential employers, landlords, and other entities.
Why You Need an Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer
Because of all the negative impacts that a felony conviction can have on your life, livelihood, and future, it is vital that you have skilled legal representation from an experienced defender in your area. It is preferable to work with someone who has deep knowledge of the law and its procedures but also who has familiarity with the local courts and their personnel.
At Andrew J. Cornick, Attorney at Law, you can find legal guidance and support from a former prosecutor. As your defender, I have been fighting for the people of Fredericksburg for more than a decade, I understand the stakes involved when facing felony charges and will do everything legally possible to help you reach a favorable outcome.
Contact Andrew J. Cornick, Attorney at Law at (540) 827-4446 to discuss your case in a free consultation today.