A felony is the most serious criminal offense in the United States justice system. Criminal defense attorneys know that felonies carry harsher punishments than misdemeanors, so consulting a lawyer to understand what constitutes a felony can help you avoid significant legal consequences.
In 2023, there were approximately 1.2 million felony convictions in the United States. The most common felonies include violent crimes like murder, manslaughter, and aggravated assault. Property crimes such as burglary, larceny-theft, and motor vehicle theft also account for a large portion of felonies. Felony drug offenses for the possession, distribution, or manufacturing of illegal substances are another major category.
Felony Classifications
According to criminal defense law Felonies are classified into different levels based on severity. The highest class is typically Class A or Class 1, for the most dangerous crimes such as murder. Misdemeanor classes go down from there, with Class B and C for moderately serious crimes. The lowest felony class is typically Class D or Class 6. Specific felony levels and penalties defined in criminal statutes vary by state.
Felony Punishments
Felonies carry harsh penalties like substantial fines and lengthy prison sentences. While misdemeanors are usually punishable by up to 1 year in jail, felony prison sentences often begin at 1 year and can extend to lifetime imprisonment or even the death penalty. Fines for felonies commonly start at $1,000 but can rise into the millions of dollars for serious corporate crimes or major frauds. Convicted felons also face consequences like probation, community service, forfeiture of assets, and losing certain civil rights.
Around 2.3 million people were incarcerated in state and federal prisons in the U.S. as of 2023, with a significant portion serving time for felony convictions. The challenges felons face don’t necessarily end after release either. Approximately 43% of released prisoners are rearrested within the first year of release, highlighting the difficulties of reintegration for those with felony records.
Felony Conviction Consequences
Beyond fines and jail time, a felony conviction creates lifelong barriers for those found guilty. Felons often lose civil liberties like voting rights, gun ownership rights, and certain professional licenses. Some may face deportation if they are legal permanent residents of the U.S.
Felony convictions also create tremendous obstacles to finding employment in the future. Individuals with felony convictions face significant barriers to employment, with many states reporting that up to 60% of employers are reluctant to hire someone with a felony record.
Many landlords are unwilling to rent to convicted felons too. And felons may be denied access to public housing and welfare benefits. Simply checking the felony conviction box on applications leads to countless closed doors.
Felony Defenses According to Criminal Defense Attorneys
Given the extreme punishments and impacts associated with felony charges, building a strong legal defense is critical. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can assess the prosecution’s case and identify weaknesses to exploit. For instance, they may argue the police conducted an illegal search, or the defendant’s Miranda rights were violated during questioning. Other potential defenses include arguing mistaken identity, self-defense, lack of criminal intent, or mental incapacity.
If you are ever charged with a felony, consulting a criminal lawyer right away is vital, as is cooperating fully with them to build your defense. In some cases, your lawyer may be able to negotiate with the prosecution to get felony charges reduced to misdemeanors or dropped altogether through plea bargaining.
Though a felony conviction can negatively impact someone for life, working with a knowledgeable lawyer provides the best chance at a favorable outcome. Don’t leave your future to chance. Consult a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible if you are facing felony charges.
