Sentencing Classification and Default Federal Criminal Fines by Authorized Prison Term

Sentencing Classification and Default Federal Criminal Fines by Authorized Prison Term

Sentencing Classification and Default Federal Criminal Fines by Authorized Prison Term

Updated June 18, 2025 (IG10074)

Summary

Information as of March 19, 2025. Prepared by Peter G. Berris, Legislative Attorney, and Jamie Bush, Visual Information Specialist.

Additional information about default nes, sentencing classifications, and punishment may be found in CRS Report R48177,

Components of Federal Criminal Law.

Source: 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571

a If the underlying statute species a ne greater than that specified in 18 U.S.C. § 3571, then the maximum is the amount authorized by the

underlying statute. 18 U.S.C. § 3571(b)(1). If, however, "a law setting forth an offense species no ne or a ne that is lower than the ne otherwise

applicable under [§ 3571]," then the higher ne under § 3571 is the maximum unless the other law "by specific reference, exempts the offense

from the applicability of the ne otherwise applicable under [§ 3571]." Id. § 3571(e).

b If "any person derives pecuniary gain from the offense, or if the offense results in pecuniary loss to a person other than the defendant," then the

maximum ne level is the greater of the amount specied or twice the gain or loss associated with the offense. 18 U.S.C. § 3571(d).

Sentencing Classification

and Default Federal Criminal Fines

by Authorized Prison Term

Class C misdemeanor $5,000; or $250,000

if offense results in

death

Class B misdemeanor

Class A misdemeanor

Class E felony $250,000b $500,000b

Class D felony $250,000b $500,000b

Class C felony $250,000b $500,000b

Class B felony $250,000b $500,000b

Class A felony $250,000b $500,000b

CORRESPONDING

SENTENCING

CLASSIFICATION

CORRESPONDING

MAXIMUM FINE FOR

INDIVIDUALS IF NOT

OTHERWISE

SPECIFIED

"Thirty days or less but

more than five days"

"One year or less but

more than six months"

"Six months or less but

more than thirty days"

"Less than five years

but more than one

year"

"Less than ten years

but five or more years"

"Twenty-five years or

more"

"Life imprisonment, or

if the maximum

penalty is death"

"Less than twenty-five

years but ten or more

years"

PRISON TERM

AUTHORIZED BY

UNDERLYING

STATUTE

CORRESPONDING

MAXIMUM FINE FOR

ORGANIZATIONS IF

NOT OTHERWISE

SPECIFIED

"Five days or less, or if Infraction $5,000b $10,000b

no imprisonment is

authorized"

$5,000; or $250,000

if offense results in

death

$10,000; or $500,000

if offense results in

death

$10,000; or $500,000

if offense results in

death

$100,000; or $250,000

if offense results in

death

$200,000; or $500,000

if offense results in

death

Instead of explicitly providing a ne amount, many federal criminal statutes authorize nes by stating that

violators shall be fined under, or in accordance with, Title 18 of the United States Code. Such language triggers

18 U.S.C. § 3571, a default statute that sets the maximum authorized ne based on the classification of the

underlying offense, which itself depends on the maximum authorized prison term. This infographic depicts

the sentencing classification and default ne that typically corresponds to a particular statute based on the

maximum prison term authorized. For example, for offenses punishable by a maximum of one year of

imprisonment (Class A misdemeanors), the maximum authorized ne for individuals is generally $100,000.