{"id":352198,"date":"2023-08-02T16:32:42","date_gmt":"2023-08-02T21:32:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/criminal\/criminal-law-basics\/felonies.html"},"modified":"2023-08-02T16:32:42","modified_gmt":"2023-08-02T21:32:42","slug":"felonies","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-law-basics\/felonies.html","title":{"rendered":"Felonies"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Felonies<\/h1>\n
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\n By Olivia Wathne, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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State laws are not uniform in how they categorize crimes. Many states divide their criminal statutes or penal code by types of criminal offenses. Felony crimes are the most serious class of criminal offenses. <\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

Some states further categorize crimes by class or degree, depending on the seriousness of the crime. For example, misdemeanors and felonies can be divided into Class A, Class B, and Class C. There are also third-degree, second-degree, and first-degree murders.<\/p>\r\n

Felony offenses are generally violent crimes punishable by a jail sentence of more than one year. A felony prison sentence is usually served in a federal or state prison rather than a county jail. Some felony convictions can lead to the death penalty.<\/p>\r\n

Due to the high stakes of felony cases, a strong defense is essential. Don’t wait to discuss your strategy against felony charges with a criminal defense lawyer<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Felony Charges and Convictions<\/h2>\r\n

Types of felonies include:<\/p>\r\n