65. felony

What is a Felony?

A felony is a serious criminal offense that is typically punishable by more than one year in prison, large fines, or even death in extreme cases. Felonies are considered more severe than misdemeanors, which usually result in shorter jail time or fines.

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Common Types of Felonies

1. Violent Felonies – Murder, rape, assault with a deadly weapon, robbery.

2. Property-Related Felonies – Burglary, arson, grand theft.

3. White-Collar Felonies – Fraud, embezzlement, insider trading.

4. Drug-Related Felonies – Drug trafficking, possession with intent to distribute.

5. Felony DUI – Repeated DUI offenses or DUI resulting in death/injury.

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Felony Classifications

Felonies are often categorized based on their severity:

• Class A (or First Degree) – The most serious (e.g., murder).

• Class B (or Second Degree) – Slightly less severe (e.g., armed robbery).

• Class C, D, E (or Third Degree & Lower) – Less severe felonies (e.g., certain fraud offenses).

Note: The classification system varies by state and country.

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Punishments for Felonies

✔ Prison Time – Typically over one year, served in state or federal prison. ✔ Fines – Can range from thousands to millions of dollars. ✔ Loss of Rights – Felons may lose voting rights, firearm ownership, and employment opportunities. ✔ Parole & Probation – Some felons may be released early under strict supervision.

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Felony vs. Misdemeanor

Category	Felony	Misdemeanor
Severity	High	Lower
Prison Time	1+ years	<1 year
Examples	Murder, fraud, arson	Petty theft, simple assault
Fines	Large	Lower

Felonies have long-term consequences, making legal representation crucial if someone is charged with one.

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Reference

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1. Merriam-Webster – Felony

• URL: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/felony

• Explanation: Provides a concise definition of "felony," describing it as a serious crime typically punishable by imprisonment of not less than one year or by death.

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2. Legal Information Institute – Felony

• URL: https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/felony

• Explanation: Offers an overview of felonies, including their classification and the potential penalties associated with such offenses.

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3. CriminalDefenseLawyer – Felony Crimes: Classes and Penalties

• URL: https://www.criminaldefenselawyer.com/resources/criminal-defense/felony-offense/felony-classes-charges-penalties

• Explanation: Discusses how felonies are classified under federal law and the corresponding penalties, providing insights into the legal framework surrounding serious crimes.

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4. Britannica – Felony

• URL: https://www.britannica.com/topic/felony

• Explanation: Explores the concept of felonies, including their historical context and the distinction between felonies and misdemeanors.

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5. Cambridge English Dictionary – Felony

• URL: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/felony

• Explanation: Provides a definition of "felony," highlighting it as a serious crime that can be punished by one or more years in prison.

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