A crime of a graver or more atrocious nature than those designated as misdemeanors Generally an offense punishable by death or imprisonment in penitentiary
{i} serious crime or offense usually punishable by more than one year in prison (i.e. robbery or murder)
In countries where the legal system distinguishes between very serious crimes and less serious ones, a felony is a very serious crime such as armed robbery. He pleaded guilty to six felonies. felonies a serious crime such as murder misdemeanour
A serious crime for which the punishment is prison for more than a year or death Crimes of less gravity are called misdemeanours This term is no longer used in England or other Commonwealth countries but remains a major distinction in the United States Historically, in England, the term referred to crimes for which the punishment was the loss of land, life or a limb
An offense for which a sentence to a term of imprisonment in excess of one year may be imposed For the purpose of sentence, felonies are divided into five categories or classes: A, B, C, D and E felonies Class A felonies are divided into two sub-categories: A-I and A-II felonies Class A felonies carry the longest jail sentences and class E felonies carry the shortest jail sentences for felony cases Jail sentences for misdemeanor and violations or infractions are even shorter
A crime of a graver or more serious nature than those designated as misdemeanor; e g aggravated assault (felony) as contrasted with simple assault (misdemeanor) Under many state statutes, any offense punishable by death or imprisonment for a term exceeding one year
A crime of a graver nature than a misdemeanor, usually punishable by imprisonment in a penitentiary for more than a year and/or substantial fines