What Is A Felony?

A felony is a serious crime that carries a sentence of at least one year or more in prison or security confinement. Depending on the jurisdiction, a felony may include punishment of a fine and/or permanent confinement in a correctional institution, specifically in a prison. Crimes that generally result in a felony charge include, but are not limited to: murder, rape, drug trafficking, arson, kidnapping, and treason.

Felonies are considered the most serious type of crime, as they are generally associated with the greatest potential for harm to victims and other members of the community. In some states, “felony” also refers to the criminal status of someone convicted of a felony. In other jurisdictions, convicted criminals can be referred to as “convicted felons” or “felons” even after the completion of their sentences.

Consequences Of A Felony

A felony conviction can result in an extensive list of punishments, including numerous civil and criminal penalties. After a person is convicted of a felony, they are subject to a maximum prison sentence that could be many years in length. Depending on the jurisdiction and the exact offense, a felony may result in up to life in prison.

In addition to their criminal punishments, convicted felons often suffer significant civil consequences of their conviction. Being a convicted felon may also prevent a person from being employed in certain fields or obtaining certain professional or occupational licenses. Many felons are also prohibited from voting or owning firearms.

Reducing Or Clearing Felony Convictions

In some scenarios, it may be possible for convicted felons to reduce their sentences, have their charges dismissed, or even have their convictions erased from the record. Depending on the jurisdiction and the type of conviction, sentencing may be reduced or suspended.

A convicted felon may also be eligible for a “second chance”, or a re-sentencing, depending on their current circumstances and prior criminal history. This type of sentence reduction is often based on a demonstration of good behavior or evidence of rehabilitation.

In some cases, a convicted felon may be granted an expungement, which will erase the felony conviction from their record. This option is often available to those who committed a lesser offense, or to those who have successfully completed all of their sentences. An expungement does not, however, weaken the legal definition of a “felony.”

In conclusion, a felony is a serious crime that is associated with lengthy punishments, including long prison sentences and civil penalties. In the case of felonies, rehabilitation and other mitigating factors may result in sentencing reductions or even the eventual erasure of criminal history.