Offense Classification Table
Offense Classification Table
Custody months are roleplay units. Unless server policy states otherwise, one custody month equals one real-time minute. The figures below are standard maximums, not mandatory minimums.
| Grade | Classification | Custody maximum | Fine maximum | Ordinary field disposition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | Civil infraction | 0 months | $500 | Warning or citation |
| M3 | Class 3 misdemeanor | 5 months | $1,000 | Citation; arrest when necessary |
| M2 | Class 2 misdemeanor | 10 months | $2,500 | Citation or custodial arrest |
| M1 | Class 1 misdemeanor | 20 months | $5,000 | Custodial arrest ordinarily permitted |
| F5 | Class 5 felony | 30 months | $10,000 | Felony arrest and booking |
| F4 | Class 4 felony | 45 months | $15,000 | Felony arrest and booking |
| F3 | Class 3 felony | 60 months | $25,000 | Felony arrest and booking |
| F2 | Class 2 felony | 90 months | $50,000 | Felony arrest and booking |
| F1 | Class 1 felony | 120 months | $100,000 | Felony arrest and booking |
| LF | Life felony | 180 months or life | $250,000 | Judicial sentence required |
How to apply a grade
Use the grade printed in the statute unless the entry contains a value threshold, quantity threshold, injury result, protected status, repeat-offender rule, or other fact authorizing a different grade. Document the aggravating fact before selecting the higher grade.
Dynamic offenses—such as attempt, value-based theft, or an offense graded one level above another—must be calculated from the supported underlying offense. The CAD’s broad labels of infraction, misdemeanor, and felony do not replace the more specific Penal Code grade.
Judicial options
A court may impose less than the maximum and may approve:
- probation or a suspended sentence;
- diversion or deferred disposition;
- restitution;
- community service;
- treatment, education, or remedial training;
- weapon surrender or a no-contact order;
- license suspension or professional referral; and
- lawful forfeiture following required process.
Officers should document facts and recommend safety conditions when appropriate, but should not promise a particular sentence.
Concurrent and consecutive time
Offenses arising from one uninterrupted act ordinarily run concurrently. Distinct criminal episodes, victims, objectives, or separately completed acts may support consecutive time when ordered by a judge. The normal aggregate booking cap is 180 custody months unless a recognized exception applies.
Merger and duplicate counts
Do not inflate custody time by charging the same conduct multiple ways. Common examples include:
- theft and possession of the same stolen item by the original thief;
- simple and aggravated versions of the same assault on one victim;
- simple possession and distribution based on the same drug quantity;
- trespass that is fully included in a completed burglary; and
- a weapon enhancement when weapon use already sets the aggravated grade.
Separate victims or distinct completed acts may support separate counts. When uncertain, document the facts and request supervisor or DOJ review.
Enhancements
Title 14 enhancements alter the grade of an existing count; they do not create separate charges. No more than two grade enhancements may apply to one count, a count ordinarily may not exceed F1, and the same fact cannot both establish the aggravated offense and enhance it.
Quick calculation order
- Identify the exact statute.
- Determine the base grade.
- Apply value, amount, injury, location, status, or repeat provisions written in that statute.
- Apply an authorized enhancement only if it uses a separate fact.
- Check the F1 ceiling and two-enhancement limit.
- Apply merger rules.
- Record the final grade and supporting facts.
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