---
kind: "section"
citation: "18 U.S.C. § 3581"
title: "18"
title_heading: "Crimes and Criminal Procedure"
number: "3581"
heading: "Sentence of imprisonment"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/18/3581"
units:
  - "Part II — Criminal Procedure"
  - "Chapter 227 — Sentences"
  - "Subchapter D — Imprisonment"
---

# §3581. Sentence of imprisonment

- (a) **In General.—** A defendant who has been [found guilty](/usc/18/3673.md?p=1) of an [offense](/usc/18/3156.md?p=a-2) may be sentenced to a term of imprisonment.
- (b) **Authorized Terms.—** The authorized terms of imprisonment are—
  - (1) for a Class A [felony](/usc/18/3156.md?p=a-3), the duration of the defendant’s life or any period of time;
  - (2) for a Class B [felony](/usc/18/3156.md?p=a-3), not more than twenty-five years;
  - (3) for a Class C [felony](/usc/18/3156.md?p=a-3), not more than twelve years;
  - (4) for a Class D [felony](/usc/18/3156.md?p=a-3), not more than six years;
  - (5) for a Class E [felony](/usc/18/3156.md?p=a-3), not more than three years;
  - (6) for a Class A misdemeanor, not more than one year;
  - (7) for a Class B misdemeanor, not more than six months;
  - (8) for a Class C misdemeanor, not more than thirty days; and
  - (9) for an infraction, not more than five days.

## Source credit

(Added Pub. L. 98–473, title II, § 212(a)(2), Oct. 12, 1984, 98 Stat. 1998.)

## Notes

### Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

### Effective Date

Section effective Nov. 1, 1987, and applicable only to offenses committed after the taking effect of this section, see section 235(a)(1) of Pub. L. 98–473, set out as a note under section 3551 of this title.