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Same name, different sentence

What is a class C misdemeanor?

A class C misdemeanor is one of the grades states use to rank misdemeanors by how serious they are. 13 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.

Class C misdemeanor sentences by state
StateJailFineThe law
AlabamaUp to 3 monthsUp to $500Ala. Code § 13A-5-7(a)(3); § 13A-5-12(a)(3)1
ArkansasUp to 30 daysUp to $500Ark. Code § 5-4-401(b)(3); § 5-4-201(b)(3)2
ConnecticutUp to 3 monthsUp to $500Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 53a-36(3), 53a-42(3)3
IllinoisUp to 30 daysProbation or conditional discharge can last up to 2 years.Up to $1,500 or the amount set in the offense, whichever is greater730 ILCS 5/5-4.5-65(a), (d), (e)4
IndianaUp to 60 daysJail and fine can be combined.Up to $500Ind. Code § 35-50-3-45
KansasUp to 1 monthThe fine cap comes from K.S.A. 21-6611(b)(3), which says "a sum not exceeding $500; and" for this class.Up to $500K.S.A. 21-6602(a)(3); K.S.A. 21-6611(b)(3)6
MissouriUp to 15 daysUp to $750Mo. Rev. Stat. §§ 558.011(1)(8), 558.0027
OregonUp to 30 daysUp to $1,250ORS 161.615(3), 161.635(1)8
South CarolinaUp to 1 yearNone setS.C. Code § 16-1-20(A)9
TennesseeUp to 30 daysThe court can impose the jail term, the fine, or both.Up to $50Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-111(e)10
TexasNo jailUp to $500Tex. Penal Code § 12.2311
UtahUp to 90 daysThe fine limit comes from Utah Code § 76-3-301.Up to $750Utah Code § 76-3-204(3)12
WisconsinUp to 30 daysUp to $500Wis. Stat. § 939.51(3)13

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 C 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.

  1. Alabama: Ala. Code § 13A-5-7(a)(3); § 13A-5-12(a)(3)
  2. Arkansas: Ark. Code § 5-4-401(b)(3); § 5-4-201(b)(3)
  3. Connecticut: Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 53a-36(3), 53a-42(3)
  4. Illinois: 730 ILCS 5/5-4.5-65(a), (d), (e)
  5. Indiana: Ind. Code § 35-50-3-4
  6. Kansas: K.S.A. 21-6602(a)(3); K.S.A. 21-6611(b)(3)
  7. Missouri: Mo. Rev. Stat. §§ 558.011(1)(8), 558.002
  8. Oregon: ORS 161.615(3), 161.635(1)
  9. South Carolina: S.C. Code § 16-1-20(A)
  10. Tennessee: Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-111(e)
  11. Texas: Tex. Penal Code § 12.23
  12. Utah: Utah Code § 76-3-204(3)
  13. Wisconsin: Wis. Stat. § 939.51(3)