Define: Felony

Felony
Felony
Quick Summary of Felony

A felony is a serious criminal offense that typically carries severe penalties, including imprisonment for one year or more, fines, probation, and other consequences. Felonies are more serious than misdemeanors and are classified as such based on the severity of the offense and the potential harm caused to individuals or society. Examples of felonies include murder, rape, arson, robbery, burglary, and certain drug offenses. In many jurisdictions, felonies are further categorized into different classes or degrees based on factors such as the degree of harm, intent, and prior criminal history. Felony convictions can have long-lasting consequences, including loss of certain civil rights, difficulty finding employment or housing, and social stigma. The prosecution of felonies typically involves formal legal proceedings, including arrest, indictment or charging, trial, and sentencing, with defendants entitled to legal representation and other constitutional rights throughout the process.

What is the dictionary definition of Felony?
Dictionary Definition of Felony

A serious criminal offense, which, under federal law, is punishable by death or imprisonment for a term exceeding one year.

U.S., legal A serious criminal offence, which, under federal law, is punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year or by death. A serious crime (contrasted with misdemeanours and infractions, less serious crimes), usually punishable by a prison term of more than one year or, in some cases, by death. For example, murder, extortion and kidnapping are felonies; a minor fist fight is usually charged as a misdemeanour, and a speeding ticket is generally an infraction. n. 1) a crime sufficiently serious to be punishable by death or a term in state or federal prison, as distinguished from a misdemeanour which is only punishable by confinement to county or local jail and/or a fine. 2) a crime carrying a minimum term of one year or more in state prison, since a year or less can be served in county jail. However, a sentence upon conviction for a felony may sometimes be less than one year at the discretion of the judge and within limits set by statute. Felonies are sometimes referred to as “high crimes” as described in the U.S. Constitution.

Full Definition Of Felony

At common law, a felony was a particularly serious offence.

The distinction between felony and misdemeanour is now largely abolished. The term originates from English common law where felonies were originally crimes which involved the confiscation of a convicted person’s land and goods; other crimes were called misdemeanours. Most common law countries have now abolished the felony/misdemeanour distinction and replaced it with other distinctions such as between summary offences and indictable offences.

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This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.

This glossary post was last updated: 29th March, 2024.

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