What is a Felony?

While you've likely heard the term “felony,” you may not understand the nuts-and-bolts facts about felonies, and what makes them different from misdemeanors. But it is important to understand the law, and to know what a felony is and the effects a felony conviction can have on your life.

For starters, a felony is a severe crime, as compared to a misdemeanor. In United States law, a felony is defined as a crime the punishment for which is more than one year in prison. However, depending on the severity of the crime, the maximum sentence in many states may be execution. Since Rhode Island abolished the death penalty in 1984, and has not executed a prisoner since 1845, the maximum punishment for the most severe felonies is life in prison.

Common Felonies

The following crimes are common felonies:

• Aggravated assault, which is different from simple assault (a misdemeanor) in that aggravated assault involves the use of a weapon
• Arson
• Burglary
• The sale of illegal drugs
• Embezzlement
• Grand theft
• Tax evasion
• Treason
• Robbery
• Rape
• Murder
• Kidnapping
• Fraud, which is a general term for the purposeful deception of facts for personal gain

If you are charged with a felony, it is important to realize the seriousness of the charges. In addition to the fines and prison sentences that go along with being convicted of a felony, you may find yourself unable to get a job while a felony is on your record.

Contact Us

If you or someone you love has been convicted of a felony and wants to learn more about having it expunged from their record, contact Rhode Island expungement lawyer James Powderly by calling 401-662-9006.