Criminal Law Basics Lesson goal

• Persons in state prisons have broken state laws and have been sentenced to more than 12 months.
• Persons in federal prisons have broken federal laws.

Jails

CRIMINAL LAW BASICS

Jails are local correctional facilities, operated by localities; regional jails are operated by groups of localities.

• Persons in jails are either awaiting trial and/or final sentencing, or have been sentenced to confinement of no more than 12 months.

Punishment for misdemeanors

CRIMINAL LAW BASICS

Misdemeanors are classified into categories called classes.

• Class 1 Misdemeanor: Confinement in jail for not more than 12 months and/or a possible fine of not more than $2,500.
• Class 2 Misdemeanor: Confinement in jail for not more than six months and/or a possible fine of not more than $1,000.
• Class 3 Misdemeanor: A fine of not more than $500.
• Class 4 Misdemeanor: A fine of not more than $250.

Other consequences of crime

CRIMINAL LAW BASICS

A person convicted of a crime:

• Develops a criminal record
• Embarrasses his or her family and friends
• Loses the opportunity to hold certain jobs
• Cannot serve in the armed services
• May lose driving privileges

More specifically, adults convicted of a felony:

• Lose their right to vote
• Lose their right to possess a firearm
• Lose their right to run for public office

Review and recap

CRIMINAL LAW BASICS

You have learned:

• How crimes are defined in Virginia law.
• That being ignorant of the law is no excuse.
• What felonies and misdemeanors are.
• How penalties for violating laws are classified and defined.
• Some of the hidden consequences for committing a crime.