Facing a criminal case in Nebraska can be scary and overwhelming. You may be uncertain about the charges you are facing and the potential consequences if you are convicted. Understanding what the different classes of felonies are in Nebraska can help you better prepare for your case and know what to expect in the future.
By understanding the classification of your felony charge, you can better understand the potential consequences and prepare for your defense. It is essential to seek the guidance of an experienced criminal defense attorney who can help you navigate the legal process and build a strong defense on your behalf. They can explain the charges you are facing and the potential penalties, as well as advise you on your legal options and develop a defense strategy tailored to your unique circumstances.
The Four Primary Classes of Felonies in Nebraska
In Nebraska, felonies are categorized into four primary classes based on the severity of the offense and the potential punishment. Understanding these classifications is crucial, as the penalties for a felony conviction can have serious and lasting consequences.
Class I Felony
Class I felonies are the most severe category of felonies in Nebraska and are broken out into five subcategories.
Class I Felony
Class I felonies are punishable by the death penalty or life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. First Degree murder is the only Class I felony in Nebraska.
Class IA Felony
Class IA felonies are also punishable by life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. Examples of Class IA felonies include certain situations involving first-degree murder and kidnapping.
Class IB Felony
Class IB felonies are punishable by a minimum of 20 years imprisonment and a maximum of life imprisonment. Examples of Class IB felonies include second-degree murder and first-degree sexual assault of a child, as well as certain large-quantity drug crimes.
Class IC Felony
Class IC felonies are punishable by a maximum of 50 years imprisonment and a minimum of 5 years imprisonment. Examples of IC felonies are crimes involving the possession of a firearm while committing other drug crimes as well as large quantity drug crimes.
Class ID Felony
Class ID felonies are punishable by a maximum of 50 years and a minimum of 3 years imprisonment. Examples of ID felonies are certain drug crimes, often involving delivery, certain types of assaults of vulnerable victims, and certain hate crimes.
Class II Felony
Class II felonies are broken up into two subcategories.
Class II Felonies are punishable by a minimum of 1-year imprisonment and a maximum of 50 years imprisonment. Examples of Class II felonies include robbery, burglary, and first-degree sexual assault.
Class IIA Felonies are punishable by a maximum of 20 years imprisonment and a minimum of no imprisonment. Examples of Class IIA felonies include Sexual Assault in the Second Degree, Burglary, First Degree Domestic Assault with a prior conviction for Domestic Assault, and theft of property worth more than $5,000.
Class III Felony
Class III felonies are broken up into two subcategories.
Class III Felonies are punishable by a maximum of 4 years imprisonment and two years of post-release supervision with no minimum punishment. Examples of Class III felonies include forgery, and leaving the scene of an accident involving serious bodily injury or death.
Class IIIA Felonies are punishable by a maximum of 3 years of imprisonment and 18 months post-release supervision with no minimum punishment. Examples of Class IIIA felonies include Domestic Assault with a prior offense, Terroristic Threats, and strangulation.
Class IV Felony
Class IV felonies are the least severe category of felonies in Nebraska. They are punishable by a maximum of 2 years imprisonment and 1-year post-release supervision. Examples of Class IV felonies include possession of a controlled substance, stalking, and certain repeat theft violations.
It is important to note that the specific penalties for each felony offense may vary depending on the circumstances of the case and the defendant’s criminal history. For example, aggravating factors such as the use of a weapon or the victimization of a vulnerable person may result in a more severe penalty.
In addition to the criminal penalties, a felony conviction can have significant consequences in other areas of a person’s life. This may include difficulty finding employment, housing, or obtaining professional licenses. It is crucial to seek the guidance of an experienced criminal defense attorney if you are facing felony charges in Nebraska.
Finding an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney in Nebraska
Facing a felony charge is a serious matter that can have significant consequences in many areas of your life. If you are in this situation, it is essential to find an experienced criminal defense attorney who can help protect your rights and build a strong defense on your behalf. One of the most important things to look for when selecting a criminal defense attorney is experience. You want to find an attorney who has successfully defended clients in similar cases to yours. They should have a deep understanding of Nebraska criminal law and the legal procedures involved in your case.
Another factor to consider is their communication skills. You want an attorney who is responsive to your questions and concerns and who will keep you informed of the status of your case. They should be able to explain legal concepts and procedures in a way that is easy to understand. The attorney’s track record is also an important consideration. Look for an attorney who has a history of winning cases and securing favorable outcomes for their clients. Check their online reviews and ask for references from former clients.
Timing is critical when it comes to hiring a criminal defense attorney. The sooner you hire an attorney, the more time they will have to prepare your case and build a strong defense strategy. Waiting too long to hire an attorney can limit your options and weaken your defense. If you are currently facing a criminal case or felony in Nebraska contact one of our experienced criminal defense attorneys today.