Criminal offenses which fall under Class B, Class 2 or Level 2 are generally among the most severe criminal offenses in any state. Most states, as well as the federal criminal code, divide their felony crimes from the most severe to the least severe. Some states prefer to label or categorize them as ‘Class’ like Class A, B and C or classes 1 to 5. Some categorize using small numbers, that is Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 and so on. This article will also consider describing the most frequent Class B, Class 2, and Level 2 felons and repercussions they will face. This offense level depending on the number of classifications a state uses, tends to fall within the high to middle range felony crimes.

What Those Who Are Charged with Class B Felonies

Since each state has its own penal code and its own opinion on how much scrutiny a certain crime requires, the punishment for a Class B, Class 2 or Level 2 felony will differ as will the crimes that are punished in this manner. It is here relevant to note that such penalties for a Class B, Class 2 or Level 2 felony may vary in the number of classifications, a state employs. If a state were to have only three classifications of felonies, Class B or number 2 would be considered intermediate or middle range felonies. However, if a state categorizes felonies in more than five, the number that is generally regarded as one of the higher felony levels is class B or 2. However, there is more: The actual penalty to be inflicted will vary depending on several factors, as shall be seen below. The discretion of the judges regarding the offenders is usually great as they are allowed to impose almost any legal sentence on the offender.

If for instance, the offender has many records of previous felonies or he used a weapon, he is likely to be given a near maximum possible time as a punishment compared to an offender, who is a first-time offender, will be given much lesser time as a punishment. Other things that judge consider when giving out the sentence include; the nature of the crime; the victims; and the past and present attitude of the defendant.

Class B Felony Crimes and Their Punishments

Here are some examples of the Class B, Class 2 and level two felony offenses as well as the possible sentences in the States:

Arizona- Arizona has six theft related felony classes. Class 2 felony punishment in Arizona depends on the conviction history, the crime type and nature, circumstances among other conditions. The enhancements made to the bill provide for the sentencing guideline range of a class 2 felony for a first-time offender with no enhancements to be between 4 and 10 years. However, dangerous and repetitive offenders can get an imprisonment of more than 21 or 35 years. Sex offences such as abduction and human trafficking fall under class 2 felonies.

In Iowa, Class B felonies have a penalty, which can range from 10 to 25 years behind the bar. It remains the fourth class of felony in the state. Class B felonies entail first-degree robbery and second-degree murder charges inter alia.

New York– There are five classes of felony in New York state. New York class B felony can attract maximum sentence of 25 years imprisonment and $30000 fine. New York extends this maximum term for some violent felonies, most drug crimes, and many sex crimes. A first-degree assault and the criminal use of a firearm are also class B felonies.

Nevada- like most states in the US, Nevada’s felonies are sorted into five levels. Category B felonies are offenses that statute states cannot attract beyond 20 years imprisonment. However, the law is capable of putting a lower maximum term to its state.

Virginia- use of a machine gun for a crime of violence, class 2 felony in Virginia carries 20 years to life imprisonment,1st degree offense are all class 2 felonies.