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Simple English definitions for legal terms
felony
Read a random definition: in limine
A quick definition of felony:
A felony is a serious crime that is against the law. The punishment for a felony can be very severe, depending on how bad the crime was. Some states have different categories for felonies, but others decide the punishment based on the specific crime committed.
A more thorough explanation:
A felony is a serious crime that is punishable by law. The severity of the crime and its punishment varies from state to state.
In most states, felonies are classified into different categories based on the maximum term of imprisonment authorized.
- Class A: Punishable by life imprisonment or death
- Class B: Punishable by 25 years or more imprisonment
- Class C: Punishable by less than 25 years but 10 or more years imprisonment
- Class D: Punishable by less than 10 years but 5 or more years imprisonment
- Class E: Punishable by less than 5 years but more than 1 year imprisonment
However, some states do not classify felonies by categories and instead sentence on a crime-by-crime basis.
- Murder: Class A felony
- Rape: Class B felony
- Burglary: Class C felony
- Grand theft auto: Class D felony
- Possession of illegal drugs: Class E felony
These examples illustrate how different crimes can be classified as different types of felonies based on their severity and the maximum punishment authorized by law.