Same name, different sentence
What is a class 1 misdemeanor?
A class 1 misdemeanor is one of the grades states use to rank misdemeanors by how serious they are. 5 states use the name, and each sets its own jail range and fine for it. Here is each one, from the state's own law.
Last checked October 29, 2026. General information, not legal advice.
| State | Jail | Fine | The law |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | Up to 6 months | Up to $2,500 | A.R.S. § 13-707(A)(1); § 13-802(A)1 |
| Colorado | Up to 364 daysFor offenses committed on or after March 1, 2022. The sentence can be jail, a fine or both. | Up to $1,000 | Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-1.3-501(1)(a.5)2 |
| North Carolina | Up to 120 days, depending on prior convictionsUp to 45 days with no prior convictions or with one to four, and 120 days with five or more. With no prior convictions the chart allows only a community punishment. | Set by the judge | N.C. Gen. Stat. § 15A-1340.23(b), (c)3 |
| South Dakota | Up to 1 year in county jailThe court can impose the jail term, the fine, or both. | Up to $2,000 | S.D. Codified Laws § 22-6-24 |
| Virginia | Up to 12 monthsJail and fine can be combined. | Up to $2,500 | Va. Code § 18.2-11(a)5 |
Why the same name means different things
Each state writes its own criminal code. The letters, numbers and degrees only rank crimes within that state, so a class 1 misdemeanor in one state can carry a very different sentence from one next door. A specific crime can also set its own range, and past convictions can raise it. For how a state grades a particular crime, see Is it a felony?
Other misdemeanor grades
Sources
Each source was opened and checked on October 29, 2026.