felony

A felony is a category of crime used in many common law jurisdictions to denote offenses that are more serious than misdemeanors. The precise definitions and penalties vary by jurisdiction, but felonies typically carry heavier punishments and longer potential prison terms, often exceeding one year. Some systems also reserve the most severe crimes for capital felonies, which may carry the possibility of but not always the requirement for the death penalty.

Felonies are distinguished from misdemeanors, which are less serious offenses usually punishable by shorter terms of imprisonment or alternative sanctions, and from infractions, which generally involve the smallest penalties. Common examples of felonies include murder, rape, robbery, arson, large-scale drug trafficking, and major fraud or embezzlement. Jurisdictions may further classify felonies as violent versus non-violent or by levels of severity.

Legal proceedings for felonies typically involve formal charging, which may be by indictment or information, followed by a trial (often by jury) and, if convicted, sentencing. Penalties can include long terms of imprisonment, substantial fines, and probation. Convictions can also entail collateral consequences such as loss of civil rights (for example, voting or firearm possession), eligibility restrictions for public office, and barriers to employment. Some jurisdictions provide mechanisms for expungement or record sealing after certain conditions are met.

Internationally, the term is used in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and many other jurisdictions, though some places use alternative classifications such as indictable offenses. The exact scope and punishment for felonies reflect local criminal law and policy priorities.