1. Classification of Crimes

2. How are crimes classified in the US? Why do we classify crimes?
Opening Question 1/23-24
How are crimes classified in the US? Why do we classify crimes?

3. Grading Classifications are for convenience.
Classification of crimes according to the severity of punishment is called grading.
Criminal intent element affects a crime’s grading.

4. Felonies Most serious crimes.
Supported with heinous intent, or accompanied by an extremely serious result.
Graded highest, and all sentencing options, (up to and including the death penalty,) are available.
Other consequences: loss of voting privileges, owning weapons, and limiting career options.

5. Nevada’s Categories of Felonies and Punishments
Category A:
First/Second degree murder, first degree kidnapping, using or promoting the use of a child in pornography, sexual assault, and battery with intent to commit sexual assault that results in substantial bodily harm.
Punishable by death penalty, life in prison without parole, or life in prison with a possibility of parole.

6. Nevada’s Categories of Felonies and Punishments, (cont’d)
Category B:
Reckless driving involving “serious bodily harm” or death, possession of child pornography (1st offense), assault with a deadly weapon, and battery with intent to kill.
Court can impose a maximum range of 8-20 years in prison. Some would also include a fine.

7. Nevada’s Categories of Felonies and Punishments, (cont’d)
Category C:
Buying and receiving stolen goods (between $250-2,500,) violating an order of protection/restraining order, stalking using the internet/text messaging or similar methods.
A court can sentence a defendant to a maximum range of 2-5 years and a fine up to $10,000.

8. Nevada’s Categories of Felonies and Punishments, (cont’d)
Category D:
Involuntary manslaughter, third- degree arson, and manslaughter.
The maximum sentence range is 19 months-4 years and a fine up to $5,000.

9. Nevada’s Categories of Felonies and Punishments, (cont’d)
Category E:
Criminal gang recruitment by an adult and soliciting prostitution involving a child.
Possible sentence is from 1-4 years, but the Nevada law requires the court to suspend the sentence and impose probation or one year in jail and probation, unless there is a special circumstance.

10. Misdemeanors
Less serious than felonies because of the intent or result was less extreme.
Punishments up to and including jail time (usually less than a year).

11. Nevada: Gross Misdemeanors
More serious misdemeanor crimes.
First offense of open/gross lewdness, first offense of indecent exposure, and second/subsequent offense for stalking.
Maximum penalties are 364 days in jail and/or up to $2,000 in fines.

12. Nevada: Misdemeanors Least serious:
Traffic tickets, trespassing, shoplifting under $650, breach of peace, simple battery.
Maximum penalties include up to 6 months in jail and/or up to $1,000 in fines.

13. Felony-Misdemeanors
Crimes that can be prosecuted and punished as either a felony or misdemeanor, depending on the circumstance.
Usually a judge’s discretion, but somethings the prosecutor will make a decision.

14. Infraction AKA Violations
Least serious of crimes, and include minor offenses.
Generally punishable by a fine or alternative sentencing, like traffic school.
We do not have this classification in Nevada, but California does.