A “crime” or “offense” is an act committed or omitted in violation of a law of the Virgin Islands and punishable by— (1) imprisonment; or (2) fine; or (3) removal from office; or (4) disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of honor, trust, or profit.
(a) Crimes or offenses are divided into felonies and misdemeanors. (b) Notwithstanding any Act of the Legislature to the contrary— (1) a felony is a crime or offense which is punishable by imprisonment for more than one year; and (2) every other crime or offense is a misdemeanor.
(a) Except in cases where a different punishment is prescribed by law— (1) every crime or offense declared to be a felony is punishable by imprisonment not exceeding five years; and (2) every crime or offense declared to be a misdemeanor is punishable by a fine not exceeding $200 or by imprisonment not exceeding one […]
In misdemeanor cases only, trial judges are authorized to limit the term of imprisonment to six months in prison; in which event, the defendant may be tried by the court, except in cases where a mandatory sentence is imposed.
