Class 6 Felony may be punished as which of the following?

• A. 10 to 20 years
• B. Life imprisonment
• C. 1 to 5 years or up to 12 months in jail, and a fine of not more than $2,500
• D. 2 to 10 years

Answer: (C)

Classifying felonies by severity determines the range of penalties. For the least serious felony in Virginia, the sentence can be 1 to 5 years in prison, or up to 12 months in jail, and a fine not exceeding $2,500. The “or” shows two sentencing paths: longer confinement in state prison if the higher end is imposed, or shorter confinement in a local jail with a modest fine if a lighter sentence is chosen. This reflects that Class 6 is the mildest felony category. The other ranges listed—10 to 20 years or life imprisonment—are penalties for more serious felony classes, not the least serious. So the correct understanding is that a Class 6 felony carries 1 to 5 years in prison or up to 12 months in jail with a fine up to $2,500.