What is a felony?

Asked by: Khalid Heaney  |  Last update: May 6, 2026
Score: 4.3/5 (38 votes)

A felony is a serious crime, more severe than a misdemeanor, typically punishable by over a year in prison or, in some cases, death, with examples including murder, robbery, or kidnapping, though specific classifications and penalties vary significantly by state. Felonies result in harsher punishments, lasting consequences, and often involve significant financial penalties or loss of rights.

What is a felony in simple terms?

The term “felony” refers to a serious crime for which the defendant can be sentenced to more than one year in prison. Furthermore, when serving a sentence for a felony, a person is typically incarcerated in a state or federal prison, rather than a local or county jail.

What is the most common felony?

The most common felonies in the U.S. often involve drug offenses, property crimes (like theft/larceny and burglary), and DUI/DWI (Driving Under the Influence), especially when repeat offenses, high BAC, or injuries occur; these fluctuate by state but represent a large portion of felony charges alongside violent crimes like assault. Drug possession and trafficking have become increasingly common felony charges, while felony theft threshold often starts at a specific dollar amount (e.g., $1,000).
 

What does the name felony mean?

*Some content has been generated by an artificial intelligence language model, in combination with data sourced from Ancestry records and provided by BabyNames.com. The name Felony has its origins in America and is derived from the English word felony, which refers to a serious crime.

What is the lowest felony charge?

The lowest felony charge varies by state, but generally involves less severe crimes like identity theft, minor drug possession, or low-value theft, often classified as Class E, F, G, H, I, or State Jail felonies, with potential penalties starting at under a year in jail, probation, or fines, though still more serious than misdemeanors. Examples include breaking and entering, some forms of stalking, or driving offenses, but specific classifications (like Ohio's F-5 or Texas's State Jail) define these lowest tiers. 

What is a Felony?

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Do you go straight to jail for a felony?

No, you don't automatically go straight to jail for a felony; it depends heavily on the crime's severity, your criminal history, and the judge's discretion, with many first-time or non-violent offenders receiving probation, fines, or community service instead of immediate prison time, though serious violent felonies often result in incarceration. A judge decides the sentence, which could be probation, jail time (county jail), state prison time, or a combination, with imprisonment usually happening right after sentencing if ordered. 

Is over $500 a felony?

Theft can escalate from a misdemeanor to a felony based on the value of the stolen property. This distinction carries significant legal implications and penalties. Each state sets its own threshold for what constitutes felony theft. These thresholds can range from $500 to $2,500, depending on local laws.

What jobs can a felon not do?

Felons face significant restrictions in jobs requiring licenses (law, medicine, teaching, finance, real estate, security) or involving public trust/vulnerable populations (childcare, elder care, law enforcement, healthcare), as well as roles handling valuables or operating heavy machinery, with specific bans depending on state law and the nature of the crime (e.g., theft, fraud, violent offenses). Industries like finance, education, transportation, and healthcare often have statutory bars or strict licensing requirements that exclude individuals with felony records, though some exceptions and review processes exist.
 

Is a felony a bad thing?

Being convicted of a felony in California brings severe legal repercussions that can deeply affect a person's life. A felony conviction also results in a permanent criminal record, which has long-lasting effects that extend beyond imprisonment.

What crimes aren't a felony?

Non-felony crimes are less serious offenses, primarily known as misdemeanors, which carry lighter penalties than felonies, usually up to a year in county jail, fines, or community service, and cover offenses like disorderly conduct, petty theft, simple assault, and some drug possession, though severity and classification vary by state. There are also even lesser infractions called petty offenses, like traffic violations or minor trespassing, often resulting only in fines. 

What happens if you get a felony?

On top of prison time, a felony conviction in California nearly always results in substantial fines, court fees, and restitution payments to victims. Fines for felony offenses can reach up to $10,000 or even more in some cases. You'll also likely have to pay additional fees and costs to the court related to your case.

What sort of crime is a felony?

The five types of criminal laws are felonies (very serious crimes), misdemeanors, offenses, treason and espionage (crimes against the country) and inchoate offenses (incomplete crimes).

Which felonies are worse?

Felony convictions are often offenses that include an element of violence and are detrimental for the victims and society. Felonies are classified based on their severity and related punishments. In general, Class 1 felonies are the most serious, while Class 6 felonies are the least serious.

What's the most common felony?

The most common felonies in the U.S. often involve drug offenses, property crimes (like theft/larceny and burglary), and DUI/DWI (Driving Under the Influence), especially when repeat offenses, high BAC, or injuries occur; these fluctuate by state but represent a large portion of felony charges alongside violent crimes like assault. Drug possession and trafficking have become increasingly common felony charges, while felony theft threshold often starts at a specific dollar amount (e.g., $1,000).
 

Can felons get a passport?

Yes, most felons can get a U.S. passport, as a felony conviction doesn't automatically bar you unless it involves specific crimes like international drug trafficking, treason, or you're under a court order restricting travel, on parole/probation with travel bans, or owe significant child support. Eligibility depends on the nature of the crime, completion of the sentence, and current legal status; check with Travel.State.gov for details, especially if on probation or parole. 

Why is it called a felony?

The term "felony" originated from English common law (from the French medieval word "félonie") to describe an offense that resulted in the confiscation of a convicted person's land and goods, to which additional punishments, including capital punishment, could be added; other crimes were called misdemeanors.

Is your life ruined if you have a felony?

The truth is, even a single felony conviction can drastically affect your life, often for years after you've served your sentence. Unlike misdemeanors, felonies carry the weight of long-term legal, financial, and personal repercussions.

Can you avoid jail with a felony?

In California, you may avoid incarceration following a felony conviction if granted probation. In other cases, convicts avoid jail time through a plea deal. No matter what charges have been filed against you, securing a criminal defense attorney can help give you the best possible outcome.

What's the least bad felony?

The least serious felonies are typically Class E or Class I felonies, depending on the state (like NY's Class E or NC's Class I), often involving property crimes, low-level drug possession, or fraud, with penalties potentially including probation instead of mandatory prison time, though penalties vary significantly by jurisdiction and specific circumstances.
 

What can felons not own?

A felony conviction in California leads to the loss of critical rights. Felons cannot vote, serve on a jury or own firearms.

What jobs are felons most likely to get?

12 highest-paying jobs for people with criminal records

  • Digital marketer. ...
  • Freelance designer. ...
  • Painter. ...
  • Maintenance worker. ...
  • Entrepreneur. ...
  • Web developer. ...
  • Truck driver. ...
  • Barber.

What is the hardest background check to pass?

The hardest background checks are typically for high-security government roles (like Top Secret clearance), involving deep dives into finances, criminal history, personal references, and lifestyle, often requiring interviews with associates; these are far more stringent than standard employment checks and focus on trustworthiness for sensitive information access, extending to personal habits, foreign contacts, and potential vulnerabilities.
 

How much cash is considered a felony?

California law say that theft is “grand theft” when “the money, labor, or real or personal property taken is of a value exceeding $950.” Grand theft is a wobbler under California law, meaning that a prosecutor can charge the offense as either a misdemeanor or a felony.

What are the most shoplifted items?

The 8 Most Commonly Stolen Retail Products

  • Electronics. From smartphones and tablets to laptops and gaming consoles, electronics can earn big profits for thieves, making them a popular target. ...
  • Clothing. ...
  • Alcohol. ...
  • Cosmetics. ...
  • Meat and Cheese. ...
  • Baby Formula. ...
  • Home Improvement Supplies. ...
  • Coffee.