What is the maximum amount of a fine for a Class C misdemeanor outside the Penal Code?

• A. $2,000
• B. $500
• C. The maximum amount is set by the legislature
• D. No limit

Answer: (C)

The key idea here is who controls the penalty ceiling for Class C misdemeanors that are created outside the Penal Code. For offenses not listed in the Penal Code, the legislature sets the upper limit on fines. Local authorities (cities or other entities) can impose a fine within that ceiling, but they cannot exceed it. This keeps a uniform cap across different outside-the-Code offenses, even though the specific fine for a particular statute or ordinance will depend on that statute. Since Class C misdemeanors are fines-only offenses, the amount is constrained by a legislatively established cap rather than by a fixed local amount. The other options propose specific dollar figures or no limit, but those don’t apply universally to offenses outside the Penal Code because the ceiling is determined by the legislature. When evaluating or applying such offenses, always check the statute or ordinance to confirm the fine, staying within the legislative cap.