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Same name, different sentence

What is a unclassified felony?

A unclassified felony is one of the grades states use to rank felonies by how serious they are. 3 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.

Unclassified felony sentences by state
StatePrisonFineThe law
ArkansasAs set by the law that defines the offenseFelony DWI is an example. See the notes below.As set by the law that defines the offenseArk. Code § 5-4-401(a)(6); § 5-4-201(a)(3)1
ConnecticutAs set by the law that defines the crimeThe felony ranges above apply "unless the section of the general statutes that defines or provides the penalty for the crime specifically provides otherwise."As set by the law that defines the crimeConn. Gen. Stat. §§ 53a-35a(10), 53a-41(6)2
OregonSet by the law for that crimeMurder and treason are not given a class. A crime defined outside the criminal code with a felony-level sentence is also unclassified.Set by the law for that crimeORS 161.535, 161.605(4)3

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 unclassified 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. Arkansas: Ark. Code § 5-4-401(a)(6); § 5-4-201(a)(3)
  2. Connecticut: Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 53a-35a(10), 53a-41(6)
  3. Oregon: ORS 161.535, 161.605(4)