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What is considered a felony crime?

What is Considered a Felony Crime?

In the United States, a felony is a serious criminal offense 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. Understanding what constitutes a felony crime is essential for individuals who have been accused of a crime, as well as for the general public who wants to know more about the criminal justice system.

What is a Felony?

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A felony is a serious crime that is punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year or by death. In the United States, a felony is typically defined as any crime that is punishable by more than one year in prison. Felonies can be further divided into two categories: violent felonies and non-violent felonies.

Types of Felonies

Violent Felonies

  • Murder: The intentional killing of another human being.
  • Assault: The intentional infliction of serious bodily harm on another person.
  • Rape: The non-consensual sexual penetration of another person.
  • Robbery: The taking of property from another person using force or the threat of force.
  • Arson: The intentional setting of a fire that causes significant damage to property.

Non-Violent Felonies

  • Drug Trafficking: The illegal possession, distribution, or manufacturing of controlled substances.
  • Theft: The taking of property from another person without their consent.
  • Fraud: The intentional misrepresentation of facts to deceive another person.
  • Embezzlement: The theft of money or property by a person who has been entrusted with it.
  • Burglary: The illegal entry into a person’s home or property with the intent to commit a crime.

Consequences of a Felony Conviction

A felony conviction can have significant consequences for an individual’s life. These consequences can include:

  • Imprisonment: A felony conviction can result in a term of imprisonment ranging from several years to life.
  • Fines: A felony conviction can result in significant fines, which can range from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars.
  • Loss of Civil Rights: A felony conviction can result in the loss of certain civil rights, such as the right to vote or the right to possess a firearm.
  • Difficulty Finding Employment: A felony conviction can make it difficult for an individual to find employment, as many employers will not hire individuals with a felony record.
  • Difficulty Finding Housing: A felony conviction can make it difficult for an individual to find housing, as many landlords will not rent to individuals with a felony record.

Sentencing for Felonies

The sentencing for a felony conviction can vary depending on the state and the specific circumstances of the crime. In the United States, the sentencing guidelines for felonies are determined by the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which were established in 1987. The guidelines provide a range of possible sentences for each felony offense, and the judge has the discretion to choose a sentence within that range.

Table: Sentencing Guidelines for Felonies

Felony OffenseMinimum SentenceMaximum Sentence
Murder10 yearsLife
Assault5 years20 years
Rape10 yearsLife
Robbery5 years20 years
Arson5 years20 years
Drug Trafficking5 years20 years
Theft1 year10 years
Fraud1 year10 years
Embezzlement1 year10 years
Burglary1 year10 years

Conclusion

In conclusion, a felony is a serious criminal offense that is punishable by more than one year in prison. Felonies can be further divided into two categories: violent felonies and non-violent felonies. Understanding the types of felonies and the consequences of a felony conviction is essential for individuals who have been accused of a crime, as well as for the general public who wants to know more about the criminal justice system.

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