WHAT EACH CHARGE CARRIES

44 charges people actually meet, each with the section it comes from, what it requires the state to show, and the most it can carry. Delaware sorts crimes into classes: felonies from class A down to class G, misdemeanors in classes A and B, and violations. An offense its own section leaves unclassified carries what that section says, so each level here names the class and the most it carries.

Find a charge

44 charges

Carrying a concealed deadly weapon

CLASS G FELONY to CLASS D FELONY · up to 8 years

Also searched as CCDW, concealed carry without a license, gun charge

Carrying a deadly weapon concealed upon or about the person without a license from the Superior Court to carry it.

Class and maximums for Carrying a concealed deadly weapon
Class	Up to	When
CLASS G FELONYClass G felony	Up to 2 yearsAs the court deems appropriate fine	WhenA deadly weapon other than a firearm
CLASS D FELONYClass D felony	Up to 8 yearsAs the court deems appropriate fine	WhenA firearm or projectile weapon

It is a defense that a license expired while a timely renewal was pending before the court.

Read the section →

Possession of a deadly weapon by a person prohibited

CLASS F FELONY to CLASS C FELONY · up to 15 years

Also searched as felon in possession, PDWBPP, prohibited person with a gun

Purchasing, owning, possessing or controlling a deadly weapon or ammunition while in a class the section bars, such as a felony or domestic violence conviction.

Class and maximums for Possession of a deadly weapon by a person prohibited
Class	Up to	When
CLASS F FELONYClass F felony	Up to 3 yearsAs the court deems appropriate fine	WhenA deadly weapon other than a firearm or ammunition
CLASS D FELONYClass D felony	Up to 8 yearsAs the court deems appropriate fine	WhenA firearm or ammunition, for most of the barred classes
CLASS C FELONYClass C felony	Up to 15 yearsAs the court deems appropriate fine	WhenWhere the person is eligible for the section's minimum sentences

Read the section →

Possession of a firearm in a Safe School Zone

CLASS E FELONY · up to 5 years

Also searched as gun at school, weapon on school grounds

Knowingly possessing a firearm or projectile weapon on the property or in the vehicles of a public or private school.

Class and maximums for Possession of a firearm in a Safe School Zone
Class	Up to	When
CLASS E FELONYClass E felony	Up to 5 yearsAs the court deems appropriate fine	WhenAny violation

A license holder is outside the section only while the firearm is in a vehicle.

Read the section →

Possession of a firearm at a polling place

CLASS A MISD · up to 1 year

Also searched as gun at the polls

Knowingly possessing a firearm or projectile weapon at a polling place on election day, from 2 hours before the polls open to 2 hours after they close.

Class and maximums for Possession of a firearm at a polling place
Class	Up to	When
CLASS A MISDClass A misdemeanor	Up to 1 yearUp to $2,300 fine	WhenAny violation

Read the section →

Possession of a firearm while under the influence

CLASS A MISD to CLASS G FELONY · up to 2 years

Also searched as carrying drunk, gun DUI

Possessing a firearm or projectile weapon in a public place with an alcohol concentration of .08 or more, or while manifestly under the influence.

Class and maximums for Possession of a firearm while under the influence
Class	Up to	When
CLASS A MISDClass A misdemeanor	Up to 1 yearUp to $2,300 fine	WhenA first offense
CLASS G FELONYClass G felony	Up to 2 yearsAs the court deems appropriate fine	WhenAfter a previous conviction for the same offense

Read the section →

Unsafe storage of a firearm

CLASS B MISD to CLASS A MISD · up to 1 year

Also searched as child access, leaving a gun out

Leaving a loaded firearm within reach of a child or prohibited person who gets it, or a firearm unattended in a vehicle, without the storage the section requires.

Class and maximums for Unsafe storage of a firearm
Class	Up to	When
CLASS B MISDClass B misdemeanor	Up to 6 monthsUp to $1,150 fine	WhenOrdinarily
CLASS A MISDClass A misdemeanor	Up to 1 yearUp to $2,300 fine	WhenWhere the unauthorized person commits a crime with it, causes serious injury or death, or passes it on

Read the section →

Possessing or selling an assault weapon

CLASS D FELONY · up to 8 years

Also searched as assault weapons ban, AR-15 charge

Transporting an assault weapon into the State, or manufacturing, selling, transferring, buying or possessing one, outside the section's exceptions.

Class and maximums for Possessing or selling an assault weapon
Class	Up to	When
CLASS D FELONYClass D felony	Up to 8 yearsAs the court deems appropriate fine	WhenAny violation

Read the section →

Possessing a large capacity magazine

VIOLATION to CLASS E FELONY · up to 5 years

Also searched as high capacity magazine

Manufacturing, selling, buying, receiving, transferring or possessing a large capacity magazine outside the section's exceptions.

Class and maximums for Possessing a large capacity magazine
Class	Up to	When
VIOLATIONViolation	No jailA civil penalty of $100 fine	WhenA first offense of possession alone
CLASS B MISDClass B misdemeanor	Up to 6 monthsUp to $1,150 fine	WhenA second offense of possession alone
CLASS E FELONYClass E felony	Up to 5 yearsAs the court deems appropriate fine	WhenAny other violation

Read the section →

Intercepting a communication

CLASS E FELONY · up to 5 years

Also searched as illegal wiretap, secret recording

Intentionally intercepting a wire, oral or electronic communication without being a party or having a party's prior consent, or disclosing or using one so intercepted.

Class and maximums for Intercepting a communication
Class	Up to	When
CLASS E FELONYClass E felony	Up to 5 yearsUp to $10,000 fine	WhenAny violation

Read the section →

Disorderly conduct

UNCLASSIFIED · up to as its own section sets, or up to 30 days

Also searched as disturbing the peace, breach of peace

Intentionally causing public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm by fighting, unreasonable noise, abusive language, blocking traffic, or refusing to disperse.

Class and maximums for Disorderly conduct
Class	Up to	When
UNCLASSIFIEDUnclassified misdemeanor	As its own section sets, or up to 30 daysAs its own section sets, or up to $575 fine	WhenAny violation

Read the section →

Criminal trespass in the third degree

VIOLATION · no jail

Also searched as trespassing on land

Knowingly entering or remaining unlawfully upon real property.

Class and maximums for Criminal trespass in the third degree
Class	Up to	When
VIOLATIONViolation	No jailUp to $345 for a first offense fine	WhenAny violation

Read the section →

Criminal trespass in the second degree

UNCLASSIFIED · up to as its own section sets, or up to 30 days

Also searched as trespassing in a building

Knowingly entering or remaining unlawfully in a building, or on land fenced or enclosed to keep intruders out.

Class and maximums for Criminal trespass in the second degree
Class	Up to	When
UNCLASSIFIEDUnclassified misdemeanor	As its own section sets, or up to 30 daysAs its own section sets, or up to $575 fine	WhenAny violation

Read the section →

Criminal trespass in the first degree

CLASS A MISD · up to 1 year

Also searched as trespassing in a home

Knowingly entering or remaining unlawfully in a dwelling, or a building used to house or keep animals.

Class and maximums for Criminal trespass in the first degree
Class	Up to	When
CLASS A MISDClass A misdemeanor	Up to 1 yearUp to $2,300 fine	WhenAny violation

Read the section →

Resisting arrest

CLASS A MISD to CLASS G FELONY · up to 2 years

Also searched as resisting, running from police

Intentionally preventing or trying to prevent an officer's arrest or detention of oneself or another, or fleeing from one.

Class and maximums for Resisting arrest
Class	Up to	When
CLASS A MISDClass A misdemeanor	Up to 1 yearUp to $2,300 fine	WhenWithout force or violence
CLASS G FELONYClass G felony	Up to 2 yearsAs the court deems appropriate fine	WhenWith force or violence toward the officer, or causing the officer injury

Read the section →

Disregarding a police signal to stop

CLASS G FELONY to CLASS E FELONY · up to 5 years

Also searched as fleeing and eluding, running from police in a car

Driving on after a police officer's visual or audible signal to stop, or speeding up or turning off the lights to flee.

Class and maximums for Disregarding a police signal to stop
Class	Up to	When
CLASS G FELONYClass G felony	Up to 2 yearsA minimum of $575 fine	WhenA first offense
CLASS E FELONYClass E felony	Up to 5 yearsA minimum of $1,150 fine	WhenA subsequent offense

The license may be revoked for 2 years.

Read the section →

Offensive touching

UNCLASSIFIED to CLASS A MISD · up to 1 year

Also searched as simple battery

Intentionally touching another person, or striking them with a bodily fluid, knowing it is likely to cause offense or alarm.

Class and maximums for Offensive touching
Class	Up to	When
UNCLASSIFIEDUnclassified misdemeanor	As its own section sets, or up to 30 daysAs its own section sets, or up to $575 fine	WhenAn ordinary touching
CLASS A MISDClass A misdemeanor	Up to 1 yearUp to $2,300 fine	WhenA bodily fluid, or an officer or medical worker on duty

Read the section →

Assault in the third degree

CLASS A MISD · up to 1 year

Also searched as simple assault

Intentionally or recklessly causing physical injury, or causing it with a deadly weapon through criminal negligence.

Class and maximums for Assault in the third degree
Class	Up to	When
CLASS A MISDClass A misdemeanor	Up to 1 yearUp to $2,300 fine	WhenAny violation

Read the section →

Assault in the second degree

CLASS D FELONY to CLASS C FELONY · up to 15 years

Also searched as felony assault

Causing serious physical injury, injury by a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument, or injury to a person 62 or older or to an officer or other listed worker.

Class and maximums for Assault in the second degree
Class	Up to	When
CLASS D FELONYClass D felony	Up to 8 yearsAs the court deems appropriate fine	WhenOrdinarily
CLASS C FELONYClass C felony	Up to 15 yearsAs the court deems appropriate fine	WhenInjury to an officer or first responder with an electronic control device

Read the section →

Assault in the first degree

CLASS B FELONY · up to 2 to 25 years

Also searched as aggravated assault

Intentionally causing serious physical injury with a deadly weapon, serious permanent disfigurement, or serious injury to a person 62 or older.

Class and maximums for Assault in the first degree
Class	Up to	When
CLASS B FELONYClass B felony	2 to 25 yearsAs the court deems appropriate fine	WhenAny violation

Read the section →

Driving under the influence

UNCLASSIFIED to CLASS C FELONY · up to 15 years

Also searched as DUI, drunk driving, DWI

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, with an alcohol concentration of .08 or more within 4 hours, or with an illicit drug in the blood within 4 hours.

Class and maximums for Driving under the influence
Class	Up to	When
UNCLASSIFIEDUnclassified misdemeanor	As its own section sets, or up to 30 days$500 to $1,500 fine	WhenA first offense, up to 12 months
UNCLASSIFIEDUnclassified misdemeanor	As its own section sets, or up to 30 days$750 to $2,500 fine	WhenA second offense within 10 years, 60 days to 18 months
CLASS G FELONYClass G felony	Up to 2 yearsUp to $5,000 fine	WhenA third offense
CLASS E FELONYClass E felony	Up to 5 yearsUp to $7,000 fine	WhenA fourth offense, 2 to 5 years
CLASS E FELONYClass E felony	Up to 5 yearsUp to $10,000 fine	WhenA fifth offense, 3 to 5 years
CLASS D FELONYClass D felony	Up to 8 yearsUp to $10,000 fine	WhenA sixth offense
CLASS C FELONYClass C felony	Up to 15 yearsUp to $15,000 fine	WhenA seventh or later offense

Every conviction brings an ignition interlock order and an alcohol evaluation.

Read the section →

Drinking while driving

VIOLATION · no jail

Also searched as open container, drinking at the wheel

Consuming an alcoholic beverage while driving a motor vehicle on a highway, in the presence or view of a police officer.

Class and maximums for Drinking while driving
Class	Up to	When
VIOLATIONViolation	No jail$25 to $200 fine	WhenA first offense
VIOLATIONViolation	No jail$50 to $400 fine	WhenAgain within 1 year

21 Del. C. § 4177J

Read the section →

Driving after drinking under 21

VIOLATION · no jail

Also searched as zero tolerance

Driving, operating or controlling a vehicle while under the age of 21 after consuming alcohol.

Class and maximums for Driving after drinking under 21
Class	Up to	When
VIOLATIONViolation	No jailA fine of $200 fine	WhenA first offense, with a 2 month revocation, or without a license
VIOLATIONViolation	No jail$400 to $1,000 fine	WhenA later offense, 6 to 12 months revoked, or without a license

21 Del. C. § 4177L

Read the section →

Reckless driving

UNCLASSIFIED · up to as its own section sets, or up to 30 days

Also searched as reckless driving

Driving in wilful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property, or at 90 miles an hour or more.

Class and maximums for Reckless driving
Class	Up to	When
UNCLASSIFIEDUnclassified misdemeanor	As its own section sets, or up to 30 days$100 to $300 fine	WhenA first offense of wilful or wanton driving, up to 30 days
UNCLASSIFIEDUnclassified misdemeanor	As its own section sets, or up to 30 days$300 to $1,000 fine	WhenAgain within 3 years, 30 to 60 days

21 Del. C. § 4175

Read the section →

Leaving the scene of a crash

UNCLASSIFIED to CLASS E FELONY · up to 5 years

Also searched as hit and run

Failing to stop at a crash, give name, address and registration and show a license, or help someone injured.

Class and maximums for Leaving the scene of a crash
Class	Up to	When
UNCLASSIFIEDUnclassified misdemeanor	As its own section sets, or up to 30 days$230 to $1,150 fine	WhenProperty damage only, 60 days to 6 months
UNCLASSIFIEDUnclassified misdemeanor	As its own section sets, or up to 30 days$1,000 to $3,000 fine	WhenAn injury, 1 to 2 years
CLASS E FELONYClass E felony	Up to 5 yearsAs the court deems appropriate fine	WhenA death

Read the section →

Operation of a vehicle causing death

UNCLASSIFIED · up to as its own section sets, or up to 30 days

Also searched as traffic death

A traffic violation, other than impaired driving, that causes the death of another person.

Class and maximums for Operation of a vehicle causing death
Class	Up to	When
UNCLASSIFIEDUnclassified misdemeanor	As its own section sets, or up to 30 daysUp to $1,150 fine	WhenA first conviction, up to 30 months
UNCLASSIFIEDUnclassified misdemeanor	As its own section sets, or up to 30 daysUp to $2,300 fine	WhenA later conviction, up to 60 months

21 Del. C. § 4176A

Read the section →

Vehicular homicide

CLASS D FELONY to CLASS C FELONY · up to 15 years

Also searched as vehicular manslaughter

Causing a death by criminally negligent driving, or by negligent driving while impaired.

Class and maximums for Vehicular homicide
Class	Up to	When
CLASS D FELONYClass D felony	Up to 8 yearsAs the court deems appropriate fine	WhenSecond degree
CLASS C FELONYClass C felony	Up to 15 yearsAs the court deems appropriate fine	WhenFirst degree, criminally negligent driving while impaired, with a minimum of 2 years

Read the section →

Driving while suspended or revoked

UNCLASSIFIED · up to as its own section sets, or up to 30 days

Also searched as DWS, driving on a revoked license

Driving a motor vehicle on a highway during a suspension or revocation.

Class and maximums for Driving while suspended or revoked
Class	Up to	When
UNCLASSIFIEDUnclassified misdemeanor	As its own section sets, or up to 30 days$500 to $1,000 fine	WhenA first offense, 30 days to 6 months
UNCLASSIFIEDUnclassified misdemeanor	As its own section sets, or up to 30 days$1,000 to $4,000 fine	WhenWithin 3 years, 60 days to 1 year

21 Del. C. § 2756

Read the section →

Driving without insurance

VIOLATION · no jail

Also searched as uninsured driving

Driving, or letting another drive, a vehicle required to be registered without the minimum insurance.

Class and maximums for Driving without insurance
Class	Up to	When
VIOLATIONViolation	No jail$1,500 to $2,000 fine	WhenA first offense, with a 6 month suspension
VIOLATIONViolation	No jail$3,000 to $4,000 fine	WhenWithin 3 years, with a 6 month suspension

21 Del. C. § 2118

Read the section →

Passing a stopped school bus

UNCLASSIFIED · up to as its own section sets, or up to 30 days

Also searched as school bus violation

Passing a school bus stopped with its flashing lamps on, from the front or the rear, except from the front on a road of 4 or more lanes.

Class and maximums for Passing a stopped school bus
Class	Up to	When
UNCLASSIFIEDUnclassified misdemeanor	As its own section sets, or up to 30 days$115 to $230 fine	WhenA first offense, 30 to 60 days
UNCLASSIFIEDUnclassified misdemeanor	As its own section sets, or up to 30 days$115 to $575 fine	WhenWithin 3 years, 60 days to 6 months

21 Del. C. § 4166

Read the section →

Using marijuana in public or in a moving vehicle

UNCLASSIFIED · up to as its own section sets, or up to 30 days

Also searched as public consumption

Using or consuming a personal use quantity of marijuana in an area accessible to the public or in a moving vehicle.

Class and maximums for Using marijuana in public or in a moving vehicle
Class	Up to	When
UNCLASSIFIEDUnclassified misdemeanor	As its own section sets, or up to 30 daysUp to $200 fine	WhenAny violation, up to 5 days

Read the section →

Possessing more than a personal use quantity

UNCLASSIFIED · up to as its own section sets, or up to 30 days

Also searched as marijuana possession

Knowingly or intentionally possessing more than a personal use quantity of marijuana without authority.

Class and maximums for Possessing more than a personal use quantity
Class	Up to	When
UNCLASSIFIEDUnclassified misdemeanor	As its own section sets, or up to 30 daysUp to $575 fine	WhenAny violation, up to 3 months

Read the section →

Possession of a controlled substance

CLASS B MISD · up to 6 months

Also searched as drug possession

Knowingly or intentionally possessing, using or consuming a controlled substance other than marijuana, without lawful authority.

Class and maximums for Possession of a controlled substance
Class	Up to	When
CLASS B MISDClass B misdemeanor	Up to 6 monthsUp to $1,150 fine	WhenAny violation

Read the section →

Underage possession of alcohol

VIOLATION to UNCLASSIFIED · up to as its own section sets, or up to 30 days

Also searched as minor in possession, MIP

Having alcoholic liquor, or drinking it, while under the age of 21.

Class and maximums for Underage possession of alcohol
Class	Up to	When
VIOLATIONViolation	No jailA civil penalty of $100 fine	WhenA first violation
VIOLATIONViolation	No jailA civil penalty of $200 to $500 fine	WhenA second violation
UNCLASSIFIEDUnclassified misdemeanor	As its own section sets, or up to 30 daysAs its own section sets, or up to $575 fine	WhenA third or later violation

Civil violations do not appear on a certified criminal record.

Read the section →

Buying alcohol for someone under 21

UNCLASSIFIED · up to as its own section sets, or up to 30 days

Also searched as furnishing to minors

Buying or giving alcoholic liquor to a person under 21, or knowingly letting one under supervision drink it.

Class and maximums for Buying alcohol for someone under 21
Class	Up to	When
UNCLASSIFIEDUnclassified misdemeanor	As its own section sets, or up to 30 days$100 to $500 fine	WhenA first offense, up to 30 days
UNCLASSIFIEDUnclassified misdemeanor	As its own section sets, or up to 30 days$500 to $1,000 fine	WhenA later offense, up to 60 days

4 Del. C. § 904

Read the section →

Theft

CLASS A MISD to CLASS B FELONY · up to 2 to 25 years

Also searched as larceny, stealing

Taking, exercising control over or obtaining property of another intending to deprive the owner of it.

Class and maximums for Theft
Class	Up to	When
CLASS A MISDClass A misdemeanor	Up to 1 yearUp to $2,300 fine	When$1,500 or less
CLASS G FELONYClass G felony	Up to 2 yearsAs the court deems appropriate fine	WhenMore than $1,500
CLASS F FELONYClass F felony	Up to 3 yearsAs the court deems appropriate fine	WhenMore than $1,500 from a person 62 or older, or an impaired adult
CLASS D FELONYClass D felony	Up to 8 yearsAs the court deems appropriate fine	WhenMore than $50,000 but less than $100,000
CLASS B FELONYClass B felony	2 to 25 yearsAs the court deems appropriate fine	When$100,000 or more

Restitution is required on top of the sentence.

Read the section →

Shoplifting

CLASS A MISD to CLASS G FELONY · up to 2 years

Also searched as retail theft

Removing, concealing, relabeling or repackaging store goods intending to take them without paying.

Class and maximums for Shoplifting
Class	Up to	When
CLASS A MISDClass A misdemeanor	Up to 1 yearUp to $2,300 fine	WhenLess than $1,500
CLASS G FELONYClass G felony	Up to 2 yearsAs the court deems appropriate fine	When$1,500 or more, including from 3 or more stores in one course of conduct

Read the section →

Issuing a bad check

CLASS A MISD to CLASS G FELONY · up to 2 years

Also searched as bounced check

Issuing or passing a check knowing it will not be honored.

Class and maximums for Issuing a bad check
Class	Up to	When
CLASS A MISDClass A misdemeanor	Up to 1 yearUp to $2,300 fine	WhenUnder $1,500
CLASS G FELONYClass G felony	Up to 2 yearsAs the court deems appropriate fine	When$1,500 or more

Read the section →

Identity theft

CLASS D FELONY · up to 8 years

Also searched as stolen identity

Knowingly or recklessly obtaining, using or transferring another's personal identifying information without consent, to commit or help commit a crime.

Class and maximums for Identity theft
Class	Up to	When
CLASS D FELONYClass D felony	Up to 8 yearsAs the court deems appropriate fine	WhenAny violation

Read the section →

Harassment

CLASS A MISD · up to 1 year

Also searched as

Acting with intent to harass, annoy or alarm: taunting likely to provoke violence or fear, alarming messages, obscene calls, or repeated or anonymous calls.

Class and maximums for Harassment
Class	Up to	When
CLASS A MISDClass A misdemeanor	Up to 1 yearUp to $2,300 fine	WhenAny violation

Read the section →

Stalking

CLASS E FELONY to CLASS D FELONY · up to 8 years

Also searched as cyberstalking

Knowingly engaging in a course of conduct at a specific person that would make a reasonable person fear injury or suffer significant distress.

Class and maximums for Stalking
Class	Up to	When
CLASS E FELONYClass E felony	Up to 5 yearsAs the court deems appropriate fine	WhenOrdinarily
CLASS D FELONYClass D felony	Up to 8 yearsAs the court deems appropriate fine	WhenWith an aggravating fact such as a threat of death or serious injury

Read the section →

Criminal contempt of a protective order

CLASS A MISD to CLASS F FELONY · up to 3 years

Also searched as violating a PFA, breaking a restraining order

Knowingly violating any provision of a protective order from the Family Court, another state's court, or a lethal violence or sexual violence order.

Class and maximums for Criminal contempt of a protective order
Class	Up to	When
CLASS A MISDClass A misdemeanor	Up to 1 yearUp to $2,300 fine	WhenOrdinarily
CLASS F FELONYClass F felony	Up to 3 yearsAs the court deems appropriate fine	WhenCausing physical injury, or using or threatening a deadly weapon

Read the section →

Violation of privacy

CLASS A MISD to CLASS G FELONY · up to 2 years

Also searched as revenge porn, hidden camera, GPS tracker

Distributing intimate images without consent, recording people undressing, installing hidden recording devices, or tracking a vehicle without consent.

Class and maximums for Violation of privacy
Class	Up to	When
CLASS A MISDClass A misdemeanor	Up to 1 yearUp to $2,300 fine	WhenMost violations
CLASS G FELONYClass G felony	Up to 2 yearsAs the court deems appropriate fine	WhenRecording someone undressing, and the most serious forms of distributing images

Read the section →

Cruelty to animals

CLASS A MISD to CLASS E FELONY · up to 5 years

Also searched as animal abuse

Intentionally or recklessly mistreating or neglecting an animal, killing or injuring one without need, or leaving one in a dangerously hot or cold vehicle.

Class and maximums for Cruelty to animals
Class	Up to	When
CLASS A MISDClass A misdemeanor	Up to 1 yearUp to $2,300 fine	WhenOrdinarily
CLASS F FELONYClass F felony	Up to 3 yearsAs the court deems appropriate fine	WhenIntentionally killing or seriously injuring an animal
CLASS E FELONYClass E felony	Up to 5 yearsAs the court deems appropriate fine	WhenA felony after a previous felony conviction

A conviction bars owning an animal for 5 years, or 15 after a felony.

Read the section →

Abuse or exploitation of an impaired adult

CLASS A MISD to CLASS A FELONY · up to 15 years to life

Also searched as elder abuse, financial exploitation

Knowingly or recklessly abusing, neglecting, mistreating or exploiting an impaired adult, including using their resources.

Class and maximums for Abuse or exploitation of an impaired adult
Class	Up to	When
CLASS A MISDClass A misdemeanor	Up to 1 yearUp to $2,300 fine	WhenAbuse or neglect, or exploiting less than $500
CLASS G FELONYClass G felony	Up to 2 yearsAs the court deems appropriate fine	WhenExploiting $500 or more but less than $5,000
CLASS E FELONYClass E felony	Up to 5 yearsAs the court deems appropriate fine	When$5,000 or more but less than $10,000
CLASS D FELONYClass D felony	Up to 8 yearsAs the court deems appropriate fine	When$10,000 or more but less than $50,000, or causing bodily harm
CLASS C FELONYClass C felony	Up to 15 yearsAs the court deems appropriate fine	When$50,000 or more
CLASS A FELONYClass A felony	15 years to lifeAs the court deems appropriate fine	WhenAbuse or neglect resulting in death

Read the section →

Every class on this page, for reference

The terms come from the sentencing sections for each class, and an unclassified offense from its own section. Violations and civil penalties carry a fine and no jail, and they are on the ladder too, because the ticket is what a reader is holding.

VIOLATIONViolationNo jailUp to $345 for a first offense
UNCLASSIFIEDUnclassified misdemeanorAs its own section sets, or up to 30 daysAs its own section sets, or up to $575
CLASS B MISDClass B misdemeanorUp to 6 monthsUp to $1,150
CLASS A MISDClass A misdemeanorUp to 1 yearUp to $2,300
CLASS G FELONYClass G felonyUp to 2 yearsAs the court deems appropriate
CLASS F FELONYClass F felonyUp to 3 yearsAs the court deems appropriate
CLASS E FELONYClass E felonyUp to 5 yearsAs the court deems appropriate
CLASS D FELONYClass D felonyUp to 8 yearsAs the court deems appropriate
CLASS C FELONYClass C felonyUp to 15 yearsAs the court deems appropriate
CLASS B FELONYClass B felony2 to 25 yearsAs the court deems appropriate
CLASS A FELONYClass A felony15 years to lifeAs the court deems appropriate

Words on a charging document

Terms with a legal meaning that is narrower than the everyday one. Each links to the definition and the authority behind it.

18 words

About this guide — maximums, not predictions. What a specific case carries turns on priors, the facts, and the court, and only a licensed Delaware attorney can tell you what yours is. Current as of October 2026.