What exactly is a felony? Depending on the severity of the crimes, the US government categorizes them. However, states classify crimes based on the length of the sentence, and some use the location of imprisonment. Furthermore, if you are a defendant in a criminal trial, you should understand how your crime, especially a felony, is classified.
Felony Definition: What exactly is a felony?
Now, if you ask what exactly is a felony, it is an offense that carries a sentence of one year or more in jail. They are usually violent crimes that are detrimental or dangerous to society. Some of the most serious crimes a person can conduct are felony offenses, such as first-degree murder and arson. Misdemeanors and citations are the most common categories for crimes that do not rise to the level of a felony.
Types of felony
Felonies include a wide range of offenses against people and property. The following are the top felonies in the United States:
Crimes involving drugs
Possession, use, manufacture, and sale of specific drugs are all drug-related offenses. The severity of the drugs is determined by several state-specific factors. As a result, this includes quantity, type, and whether sold, trafficked, or distributed.
Property Crimes
Property crimes are committed against property rather than individuals. Burglary, theft, auto theft, property destruction, and arson are all examples of property crimes.
Driving felony
It is a common crime specified by blood alcohol content, injuries to others, or a criminal past.
Violent crimes
Murder, manslaughter, aggravated assault, robbery, and sexual assault all fall under the category. Disorderly conduct is a felony that involves causing a public disturbance. Falsely reporting a fire or other emergency is another example of a disorderly behavior felony. State governments rate the severity of felonies.
The most serious felonies, such as first-degree murder, are classified as Class I or Class A by the states. Criminals convicted of Class A felonies are sentenced to the maximum amount of time possible in jail.
Less violent felonies classify further down the alphabet or up the numerical scale by states. Moreover, a felony classified as Class E or Class 5 carries a much shorter prison sentence than a felony classified as Class 3 or Class C.
Will a felony appear on your record?
If you convict, the conviction will remain on your record for the rest of your life. The only way to get a felony off your record is to go through the expungement process. Otherwise, everyone who would hire you, rent an apartment to you, or consider lending you money will see your felony charges on a background check.
Felony Prosecution Procedure
If you accuse of committing a felony by a law enforcement official, the process to determine whether you committed the crime is lengthy. Arresting and subsequently going through the arraignment process both include felonies. Following his or her arraignment, the accused must attend multiple pre-trial conferences.
The federal government follows strict protocols for charging and prosecuting offenses, while states follow their own rules. Accused offenders in most jurisdictions have a hearing scheduled soon after their arrest. The accused learns about the charge, their rights, and the possibility of bail during this initial appearance. During the initial court appearance, witnesses do not disclose their testimonies.
Potential jurors must go through a series of procedures before a trial can begin. Lawyers must summon witnesses, and courts must follow a series of protocols. Convicting a felon is a time-consuming and complicated process. Anyone charged with a felony should hire a criminal defense lawyer.
Expungement of a Felony
If you commit a felony or misdemeanor, it will be on your permanent record for the rest of your life, if you were over 18. The blot on your record will hamper your employment and apartment hunting. When it comes to recruiting felons, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has severe guidelines. Employers in several industries can turn away applicants with felonies or misdemeanors.
Convicted felons can have their records wiped to make life simpler after they leave prison. This lengthy and costly procedure expunges your criminal record from your permanent record. The process of expungement necessitates the involvement of lawyers, which makes it costly. No lawyer can ensure that a court will expunge your record.
Conclusion
Felonies are serious offenses that endanger society. If you are convicted of a felony, you will have a permanent record for the rest of your life. Your chance to locate a decent job and a nice location to live will be harmed by your conviction. Felonies are costly infractions that damage lives, not just of the victims but also of the perpetrators.
