Oregon law: What is the Difference Between Assault IV and Assault I

The Washington County (Oregon) Sheriff’s Office Newsletter always has at least one, and usually more, interesting (and even funny!) story. This latest issue includes this article:

What is the Difference Between Assault IV and Assault I: What do the numbers mean?

“People often hear that criminals are charged with Theft I or Theft III. Have you ever wondered what the different numbers mean after the charges? Or maybe you have heard that someone was charged with a Class A, B or C felony or misdemeanor. Both of these systems are ways of classifying the seriousness of the crime. Here’s a bit of info to help you remember what these designations mean.

Think of “I” (or “first degree”) as being “number one” in importance or seriousness. The same idea holds true of Class A, B or C Felonies and Misdemeanors. In school, an “A” is a higher grade than a “B.” So as to the importance and seriousness of a crime, an “A” is more serious than a “B” which is more serious than a “C.” This list tells you the maximum penalties for offenses.

Class A Misdemeanor: 1 year in Jail
Class B Misdemeanor: 6 months in Jail
Class C Misdemeanor: 30 days in Jail

Class A Felony: 20 years in Prison
Class B Felony: 10 years in Prison
Class C Felony: 5 years in Prison

To look up crimes against people, visit www.leg.state.or.us/ors/163; for crimes against property, see www.leg.state.or.us/ors/164. See there, now you know!”

From the Washington County Sheriff’s Office Newsletter (Vol_5 Issue_4-April, 2008)