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Same name, different sentence

What is a class 5 felony?

A class 5 felony is one of the grades states use to rank felonies by how serious they are. 4 states use the name, and each sets its own prison 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.

Class 5 felony sentences by state
StatePrisonFineThe law
Arizona0.5 to 2.5 years for a first felony conviction (presumptive 1.5 years)First-offense range, from the mitigated to the aggravated term. Different ranges apply to repeat and dangerous offenses.Up to $150,000A.R.S. § 13-702(D); § 13-801(A)1
Colorado1 to 3 yearsPresumptive range for offenses committed on or after July 1, 2020.$1,000 to $100,000Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-1.3-401(1)(a)(V.5), (1)(a)(III)2
South DakotaUp to 5 yearsUp to $10,000S.D. Codified Laws § 22-6-13
Virginia1 to 10 yearsInstead of prison, the jury or the judge may impose up to 12 months in jail, a fine of up to $2,500, or both.Up to $2,500, only with the jail optionVa. Code § 18.2-10(e)4

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 5 felony 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 felony grades

Sources

Each source was opened and checked on October 29, 2026.

  1. Arizona: A.R.S. § 13-702(D); § 13-801(A)
  2. Colorado: Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-1.3-401(1)(a)(V.5), (1)(a)(III)
  3. South Dakota: S.D. Codified Laws § 22-6-1
  4. Virginia: Va. Code § 18.2-10(e)