Criminal Law Basics Lesson goal

Capital offenses

CRIMINAL LAW BASICS

Virginia is a capital punishment state. This means offenders may be executed. Examples of capital crimes include, but are not limited to

• murder for hire
• murder of a law enforcement officer
• murder by a prisoner
• multiple killings
• murder arising from a drug crime, and
• killing a child younger than 14 years old by a person 21 years or older.

Treating juveniles as adults

CRIMINAL LAW BASICS

The Class 1 Felony description refers to a person less

than 16 years of age and prescribes life in prison rather than death.

It is important to know that someone as young as 14 may be tried as an adult (Code of Virginia §16.1-291).

In determining whether a juvenile will be tried as an

adult, the court examines many factors, including the seriousness of the crime and the juvenile’s role in

the crime.

Punishment for felonies, cont.

CRIMINAL LAW BASICS

• Class 2 Felony: Imprisonment for 20 years to life, and a possible fine of not more than $100,000.
• Class 3 Felony: Imprisonment for five to 20 years, and a possible fine of not more than $100,000.
• Class 4 Felony: Imprisonment for two to 10 years, and a possible fine of not more than $100,000.

Punishment for felonies, cont.

CRIMINAL LAW BASICS

• Class 5 Felony: Imprisonment for one to 10 years or confinement in jail for not more than 12 months, and/or a possible fine of not more than $2,500.
• Class 6 Felony: Imprisonment for to five years or confinement in jail for not more than 12 months, and/or a possible fine of not more than $2,500.

Prisons

CRIMINAL LAW BASICS

Prisons are correctional facilities run by the state or federal government.