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Same name, different sentence

What is a second-degree felony?

A second-degree felony is one of the grades states use to rank felonies by how serious they are. 6 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.

Second-degree felony sentences by state
StatePrisonFineThe law
FloridaUp to 15 yearsUp to $10,000Fla. Stat. §§ 775.082(3)(d), 775.083(1)(b)1
New MexicoBasic sentence of 9 yearsThe basic sentence is higher for some offenses: 18 years if the felony results in a death, 15 years for a sexual offense against a child and 12 years for sexual exploitation of children.Up to $10,000N.M. Stat. Ann. § 31-18-15(A), (E)2
OhioIndefinite term: a minimum of 2 to 8 years, and a maximum equal to the minimum plus 50 percent (for offenses on or after March 22, 2019)For offenses before March 22, 2019, the term is a fixed 2 to 8 years. Some offenses carry other terms.Up to $15,000Ohio Rev. Code §§ 2929.14(A)(2), 2929.144(B)(1), 2929.18(A)(3)(b)3
PennsylvaniaUp to 10 yearsUp to $25,00018 Pa.C.S. §§ 1103(2), 1101(2)4
Texas2 to 20 yearsUp to $10,000Tex. Penal Code § 12.335
Utah1 to 15 yearsThe prison term applies unless the specific offense sets a different one. The fine limit comes from Utah Code § 76-3-301.Up to $10,000Utah Code § 76-3-203(2)6

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 second-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

Sources

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

  1. Florida: Fla. Stat. §§ 775.082(3)(d), 775.083(1)(b)
  2. New Mexico: N.M. Stat. Ann. § 31-18-15(A), (E)
  3. Ohio: Ohio Rev. Code §§ 2929.14(A)(2), 2929.144(B)(1), 2929.18(A)(3)(b)
  4. Pennsylvania: 18 Pa.C.S. §§ 1103(2), 1101(2)
  5. Texas: Tex. Penal Code § 12.33
  6. Utah: Utah Code § 76-3-203(2)