What Is a 3rd Degree Felony Charge in Michigan?

When you hear the phrase “3rd degree felony,” your stomach probably drops. Maybe you or someone you care about just got charged, and now you’re wondering what that really means in Michigan.

Michigan doesn’t rank crimes by “degrees” like other states do. Instead, our state uses Classes A through H to rank felonies from the worst (murder, kidnapping) down to the least severe (certain nonviolent offenses). Still, when people talk about a “third-degree felony,” what they usually mean is a mid-level felony charge, serious enough to flip your whole life upside down if you don’t deal with it head-on.

This blog is here to cut through the legal jargon and explain what a “third degree felony” means in Michigan, the kinds of charges that fall into this mid-level range, the penalties and hidden consequences that follow you long after court, and why taking the proper steps now can make the difference between moving on with your life or being stuck with a record you can’t shake.

How Michigan Classifies Felonies

Michigan’s sentencing guidelines divide felonies into Classes A through H:

• Class A Felonies – The most serious crimes (e.g., murder, kidnapping, first-degree CSC). Punishable by up to life imprisonment.
• Class B Felonies – Very serious crimes (e.g., second-degree arson, second-degree CSC). Punishable by up to 20 years.
• Class C Felonies – Mid-level felonies (e.g., first-degree home invasion, assault with intent to commit GBH). Punishable by up to 15 years.
• Class D Felonies – Serious but lower on the scale (e.g., larceny of $20,000 or more, third-degree home invasion). Punishable by up to 10 years.
• Class E Felonies – Lower mid-level crimes (e.g., carrying a firearm with unlawful intent, third-offense OWI). Punishable by up to 5 years.
• Class F, G, H Felonies – Less severe felony crimes, often property or nonviolent crimes. Penalties range from 4 years to probation with special conditions.

When someone says “third degree felony” in Michigan, they usually refer to Classes C–E felonies. These cases can still land people behind bars for years, even though they’re not the state’s harshest.

Examples of “Third Degree Felony”–Type Charges in Michigan

Here are some charges that often get lumped into the “third degree felony” label because they’re in that mid-range category:

• Third-Offense Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) – A Class E felony with up to 5 years in prison.
• Third-Degree Home Invasion – A Class D felony, punishable by up to 10 years.
• Felon in Possession of a Firearm – Class E felony, up to 5 years.
• Aggravated Assault (with priors) – Can be elevated to a felony depending on history.
• Certain Drug Possession or Delivery Charges – Depending on the substance and amount, these can be Class C–E felonies.

These aren’t “minor” charges. They carry prison sentences, heavy fines, and collateral damage. That’s why even a “third degree felony conviction” can have significant consequences that go far beyond the walls of a courtroom.

Penalties for Mid-Level Felonies in Michigan

Here’s what you’re realistically facing if you’re convicted of a Class C, D, or E felony (the equivalent of what people often call a “third degree felony”):

• Class C Felony – Up to 15 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.
• Class D Felony – Up to 10 years in prison and up to $5,000 fines.
• Class E Felony – Up to 5 years in prison and up to $2,500 in fines.

Michigan judges also use sentencing guidelines that factor in your criminal history and the circumstances of the offense. That means repeat offenders almost always face harsher punishment.

Collateral Consequences You Can’t Ignore

The punishment doesn’t end with prison or probation. A felony conviction sticks with you, and Michigan doesn’t make it easy to move on. Here’s what else it can mean:

• Employment barriers – Employers often won’t hire someone with a felony record.
• Loss of rights – Felons lose the right to own or possess firearms, and while voting rights can be restored after incarceration, the stigma remains.
• Professional licensing issues – Many trades and professions can deny or revoke licenses.
• Housing problems – Landlords can (and often do) reject rental applications.
• Reputation damage – A felony label changes how people see you.

These consequences make it clear: even if a felony isn’t “Class A serious,” it can still derail your future.

Can a “Third Degree Felony” Be Reduced in Michigan?

Michigan law allows for plea agreements, diversion programs, or charge reductions, but none of that happens automatically. A skilled criminal lawyer can:

• Negotiate with prosecutors for a reduction from a felony to a misdemeanor.
• Challenge unlawful evidence (like an illegal search or stop).
• Seek alternative sentencing, such as probation or treatment programs, for certain offenses.

In some cases, charges can be dismissed outright if the prosecution doesn’t have enough evidence or if they violated your rights.

Can You Expunge a Felony in Michigan?

Thanks to Michigan’s Clean Slate Act, many felony convictions can eventually be expunged. Here’s what that looks like:

• Eligibility – Not all felonies qualify. Violent crimes and serious felonies like murder are excluded.
• Waiting period – You usually must wait several years (often 7-10) after completing your sentence.
• Limits – There’s a cap on how many felonies you can expunge.

Even with these reforms, expungement is a process that takes time and legal strategy. It’s not a quick or guaranteed solution.

Felony Charges Don’t Have to Be the End of Your Story

If you’re searching “felony lawyers near me” because you or a family member is facing a mid‑level Michigan felony charge, act quickly. Early steps can make or break a case. A seasoned criminal lawyer can assess the statute, the maximums, the guideline grid, and enhancement risks, then build a plan to protect your record and your freedom.

At LaBre Law Office, our felony lawyers provide clear, honest guidance and a plan you can follow. Excellence is our standard. Call us today at (269) 431-2058 or complete our confidential online form to schedule a consultation and get your questions answered before decisions are made for you.

Copyright © 2025. LaBre Law Office. All rights reserved.

The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.

LaBre Law Office
68897 Cass St,
Edwardsburg, MI 49112
(269) 431-2058
https://labrelaw.com/