Same name, different sentence
What is a fourth-degree felony?
A fourth-degree felony is one of the grades states use to rank felonies by how serious they are. 2 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.
| State | Prison | Fine | The law |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | Basic sentence of 18 monthsThe basic sentence is 10 years for sexual exploitation of children. | Up to $5,000 | N.M. Stat. Ann. § 31-18-15(A), (E)1 |
| Ohio | 6 to 18 months | Up to $5,000 | Ohio Rev. Code §§ 2929.14(A)(4), 2929.18(A)(3)(d)2 |
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 fourth-degree 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
- Capital felony
- Class 1 felony
- Class 2 felony
- Class 3 felony
- Class 4 felony
- Class 5 felony
- Class 6 felony
- Class A felony
- Class B felony
- Class B1 felony
- Class B2 felony
- Class C felony
- Class D felony
- Class E felony
- Class F felony
- Class G felony
- Class H felony
- Class I felony
- Class Y felony
- First-degree felony
- Second-degree felony
- Third-degree felony
- Unclassified felony
Sources
Each source was opened and checked on October 29, 2026.