Do you know what are the various Class B misdemeanors and the statutory obligations for offenders? These misdemeanors are of serious nature and have legal consequences.
Class B misdemeanor are criminal offenses that are serious but not as grievous as felony offenses. The grade of class defines the gravity of the offense, the days of imprisonment, and fine that it carries. Therefore, Class A carries a greater offense and a higher penalty as compared to Class B and C. The other important factor is, individuals convicted of misdemeanor are supposed to be imprisoned in local jails and are not put in federal prisons, except in cases of grave exceptions.
Punishment, includes a fine of USD 1,000 with or without imprisonment for up to 90 days or approximately 6 months. This penalty may be increased if the offender is found to be a repeat offender, in which case the term of imprisonment can be increased up to 2 years instead of the previously declared 90 days. However, such an extension of sentence happens only in extreme circumstances and very rarely. The duration of imprisonment in Class B misdemeanor usually does not extend beyond 1 year.
Probation Under Class B Misdemeanor
Probation is the period when the offender is ordered by the State to take an active role in community service, wherein they will have to prove that they have been trying to become better citizens. The period of probation basically suspends some part of the offender’s jail term and replaces it with the duty to perform social service while being free. The offenders are required to report to their probation officers and keep them informed about their activities and whereabouts.
Those who have been deemed as repeated offenders under Class B misdemeanor, are usually always ordered to practice a period of probation. The period of probation is exchanged with the offender’s jail serving time. Sometimes, the duration of probation may extend to 2 years. The other alternative that is offered to the offender, is to follow certain specific rules and stipulations during the course of the probation.
Class B Misdemeanor Examples
The offenses that fall under this category are different for all States, though there are a few that are common among them all.
- Juvenile crimes
- Assault
- Battery
- Criminal mischief
- Harassment
- Driving while intoxicated
- Evading arrest
- Theft
- Shoplifting
- Petit larceny
- Possession of a controlled substances
- Disorderly conduct
- Indecent exposure
- Check forgery
For example, reckless driving is considered a nuisance and traffic violation. It is a greater offense as compared to other driving offenses because, the driver willfully wishes to cause damage and destruction to property while having no consideration for other people’s lives and safety. Reckless driving falls under this category of misdemeanor in all State laws and includes the definite suspension of the driver’s license as well as imprisonment and fine.
All three penalties are inclusive of one another and if the gravity and extent of damage is severe, the punishment is increased. For instance, if during the course of reckless driving, the driver lands up killing someone, then the case no longer falls under the purview of misdemeanor. It then transforms into a felony of the Class A level, which includes murder either of the first or second degree, depending on the varied State laws.
Another case in point is that Class B misdemeanor allow probation, which for some is a second chance for a better life. For instance, in case of juvenile crimes that are committed by teenagers who are barely 15 years of age or more, probation allows them to rehabilitate and become more responsible adults.
