Which degree of felony carries the lightest maximum penalty?

• A. First-degree felony
• B. Second-degree felony
• C. Third-degree felony
• D. Fourth-degree felony

Answer: (D)

In criminal law, felonies are graded from most to least severe, and the statutory maximum penalty rises with the degree. The lower the degree, the smaller the maximum punishment. So the lightest maximum penalty comes with the lowest-grade felony, typically the fourth-degree felony. The higher degrees—first, second, and third—carry higher maximum penalties, which is why they don’t fit as the lightest option.