A felony conviction can lead to severe consequences. For the most part, the penalties for a felony conviction depend on the category of felony committed. 

• Category A Felony: Possible death sentence (in 1st-degree murder cases) or up to life imprisonment without the possibility for parole (depending on the circumstances).  Examples include first or second-degree murder, sexual assault, first degree kidnapping, etc.

• Category B Felony: 1 – 20 years in prison, potential fines. Examples include voluntary manslaughter, grand larceny, robbery, home invasion, and 2nd degree kidnapping.

• Category C Felony:  1 – 5 years imprisonment, up to $10,000 in fines. Examples include 3rd offense domestic battery, cyberstalking, violating a protection order, certain theft charges, and more.

• Category D Felony: 1 – 4 years imprisonment, up to $5,000 in fines. Examples include casino marker fraud, involuntary manslaughter, 3rd degree arson, and forging checks. Category D felonies can be charged as a gross misdemeanor or felony, depending on the case.

• Category E Felony: Likely probation with a suspended sentence, potentially one year in jail. However, depending on criminal history, the court may order 1 – 4 years in prison. Examples include unlawful gang recruitment, child sex solicitation, certain drug offenses.