Felonies

Felony is a legal category used to designate the most serious crimes in many common-law jurisdictions. In general, a felony is an offense punishable by imprisonment longer than one year, often in state or federal prison, and historically could be punishable by death in some places. Modern statutes in many countries replace the broad label with precise classifications, but the term remains common in the United States. Felonies are distinguished from misdemeanors, offenses punishable by shorter terms or smaller fines, and from infractions or petty offenses.

The exact definitions, penalties, and classifications vary by jurisdiction. Many systems divide felonies into degrees or classes, such as first- through fourth-degree felonies or Class A through Class C, with higher classes carrying greater punishment and more collateral consequences. Typical examples include murder, rape, robbery, burglary of an inhabited dwelling, arson, major drug offenses, extortion, and significant fraud.

Because felonies carry serious penalties, a conviction can bring lasting effects beyond the sentence. These may include loss of civil rights (such as voting or firearm possession), restrictions on employment, immigration consequences for non-citizens, and long-term impacts on criminal records and background checks.

The process generally involves investigation, charging by a prosecutor through an indictment or information, trial (often by jury), and sentencing if convicted. Appeals and post-conviction remedies may follow. Terminology and procedures vary by country; some jurisdictions use terms such as indictable offenses or serious crimes rather than felony, reflecting different legal traditions.