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What is a Felony?

Posted on 30. May, 2010 by Admin in Uncategorized

A felony is a serious crime, and includes both violent and non-violent offenses like burglary, drug trafficking, robbery, murder, grand theft, and aggravated assault. Essentially, what makes a felony a felony is that the crimes carry prison sentences in excess of one year. Some felonies carry death sentences. Because of the severity of these crimes, persons convicted of committing felonies are permanently known thereafter as felons.

Differences between a Felony and Misdemeanor
In some cases, there might be a subtle distinction between a felony offense and a misdemeanor offense. A misdemeanor is a less serious criminal act that carries a weaker sentence. In most cases, those charged with misdemeanor crimes are sentenced to fines instead of prison. Those who are sentenced to serve time usually do so in local jails rather than federal prisons, where felons serve their sentences.

In some cases, the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor might just depend upon the circumstances. For example, the possession or distribution of illegal drugs might be a misdemeanor if the perpetrator was found carrying only a small amount of the substance. If the perpetrator was found with an excessive amount, however, he may be charged with a felony. The same can be said of those carrying guns. Whereas carrying a weapon legally would not be a crime, bringing a gun into a restricted area, like a designated gun-free school zone, could be a serious offense.

Loss of Right of Convicted Felons
Even after serving out their sentences, felons in the United States are stripped of many rights the average citizen may take for granted. For example, in some states, felons might lose the right to vote or become ineligible to run for public office or serve on a jury. It also influences a person’s ability to pass a security background check when applying for a job, even in the private sector. Furthermore, noncitizens who commit felons are usually deported from the country. Once someone is a convicted felon, this label stays on his record for the rest of his life.

This article is not meant to serve as a substitute for legal advice, which can only be obtained from a criminal defense attorney.

Tags: criminal rights, felony, misdemeanor