What Dollar Amount is a Felony?
In the United States, the dollar amount that constitutes a felony varies significantly from state to state. While some states have specific laws that define the monetary threshold for a felony, others rely on the seriousness of the crime or the defendant’s criminal history to determine the severity of the punishment. In this article, we will explore the complexities of felony charges and provide a breakdown of the dollar amounts that can trigger a felony conviction in each state.
What is a Felony?
Before we dive into the dollar amounts, it’s essential to understand what a felony is. A felony is a serious crime that is punishable by more than one year in prison. Felonies are considered more severe than misdemeanors, which are punishable by less than one year in prison. Felonies can include crimes such as murder, rape, burglary, and drug trafficking.
Federal Felonies
At the federal level, the dollar amount that constitutes a felony is $10,000. Any crime that involves the theft or embezzlement of $10,000 or more is considered a felony. Examples of federal felonies that can involve a dollar amount of $10,000 or more include:
• Bank fraud
• Mail fraud
• Wire fraud
• Identity theft
• Tax evasion
State Felonies
At the state level, the dollar amount that constitutes a felony varies significantly. Some states have specific laws that define the monetary threshold for a felony, while others rely on the seriousness of the crime or the defendant’s criminal history. Here is a breakdown of the dollar amounts that can trigger a felony conviction in each state:
| State | Felony Threshold |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $2,500 |
| Alaska | $1,000 |
| Arizona | $2,000 |
| Arkansas | $1,000 |
| California | $950 |
| Colorado | $2,000 |
| Connecticut | $1,000 |
| Delaware | $1,500 |
| Florida | $750 |
| Georgia | $1,500 |
| Hawaii | $300 |
| Idaho | $1,000 |
| Illinois | $500 |
| Indiana | $750 |
| Iowa | $750 |
| Kansas | $1,000 |
| Kentucky | $500 |
| Louisiana | $750 |
| Maine | $1,000 |
| Maryland | $1,000 |
| Massachusetts | $250 |
| Michigan | $1,000 |
| Minnesota | $1,000 |
| Mississippi | $500 |
| Missouri | $750 |
| Montana | $1,000 |
| Nebraska | $1,000 |
| Nevada | $1,000 |
| New Hampshire | $1,000 |
| New Jersey | $1,000 |
| New Mexico | $1,000 |
| New York | $1,000 |
| North Carolina | $1,000 |
| North Dakota | $1,000 |
| Ohio | $1,000 |
| Oklahoma | $1,000 |
| Oregon | $250 |
| Pennsylvania | $500 |
| Rhode Island | $1,500 |
| South Carolina | $1,000 |
| South Dakota | $1,000 |
| Tennessee | $1,000 |
| Texas | $1,500 |
| Utah | $1,000 |
| Vermont | $1,000 |
| Virginia | $1,000 |
| Washington | $1,000 |
| West Virginia | $1,000 |
| Wisconsin | $1,000 |
| Wyoming | $1,000 |
Important Considerations
While the dollar amount that constitutes a felony can have a significant impact on the severity of the punishment, it’s essential to note that other factors can also influence the outcome of a felony case. These factors include:
• The severity of the crime
• The defendant’s criminal history
• The defendant’s role in the crime
• The presence of mitigating or aggravating circumstances
Conclusion
In conclusion, the dollar amount that constitutes a felony varies significantly from state to state. While some states have specific laws that define the monetary threshold for a felony, others rely on the seriousness of the crime or the defendant’s criminal history to determine the severity of the punishment. Understanding the dollar amount that can trigger a felony conviction in each state is essential for individuals who may be facing criminal charges. By exploring the complexities of felony charges and the factors that can influence the outcome of a case, individuals can better navigate the criminal justice system and ensure that they receive a fair and just outcome.
