When you or a loved one are arrested and charged with a specific crime, the consequences can be far-reaching. Regardless of your level of culpability, the ramifications associated with going through a felony case can disrupt the life of you and your loved ones. As a quality provider of bail bonds to Elkhart and Warsaw, A-1 Bail Bonds understands the value of timely, accurate responses to get loved ones out of jail and reunited with their families sooner. Our bail bondsmen can service your case 24/7 with speed and discretion to ensure a timely release. When facing felony charges, your loved one can be faced with a large amount of stress and consequences. Today, we’ll begin to take a look at the different classes of felonies in Indiana, as well as the general incarceration time of each. Based on the degree of the crime you are accused of, you may be able to get out of jail and into the comfort of your home to prepare for the case ahead. If you have a loved one in need of a trustworthy bail bond agent, be sure to contact A-1 Bail Bonds for assistance!
Breaking down the Structure
As of July 1st of 2014, Indiana has put new sentencing laws in place concerning felonies. The following description matches only the updated system, and therefore will not be worthwhile for anyone who was charged with a felony before June 30, 2014. Based on the seriousness of your crime, you will be faced with charges that fall into one or more of the following six levels or classes:
- Level 6 felony. In certain cases, such as theft or drug possession, this felony can be dropped to a Class A misdemeanor, making a big difference in the outcome. Generally, Level 6 felonies range between six and 30 months, with one year as the advisory point.
- Level 5 felony. Representing the true threshold for felony classifications, this sentencing can range between one and six years of prison time with an advised amount set at three years and $10,000. This crime class can consist of charges such as property theft and involuntary manslaughter.
- Level 4 felony. Anyone facing a Class 4 felony may face between two and 12 years in prison for their crimes. Crimes such as arson can fit this description and can cost you with an advised sentencing set at six years.
- Level 3 felony. This sentence can have a major impact on your life and future, resulting in three to 16 years of prison time. Charges such as rape and aggravated battery fall into this classification.
- Level 2 felony. This charge is very serious, meeting a sentencing between 10 and 30 years. While numerous crimes can fit this classification, charges such as voluntary manslaughter generally count as Level 2 crimes.
- Level 1 felony. The sentencing range for this upper echelon of punishment is between 20 and 40 years, as these crimes are often viewed as the most severe in Indiana. Charges such as attempted murder fit the bill here, resulting in very grave consequences for the defendant.
The sentence length and financial cost of any charges that your loved one may be facing can have a major impact on everyone’s lives. Even if the time incarcerated is not extensive in length, the disruption to everyone involved can be major. Next time, we’ll cover the most serious felony classification available, as well as a few factors that can affect the trial’s outcome. If your loved one is incarcerated and in need of a professional bail bonds services, be sure to reach out to A-1 Bail Bonds. Our courteous and responsive staff is available by phone 24/7 to help you restore some order to your life during these turbulent times. Contact us today to get the process started!