Second-degree felony: aggravated assault, felony assault, arson, manslaughter, possession of a controlled substance, child molestation.First-degree felony: murder, rape, kidnapping, arson, fraud.Felonies by degree may include the following, though the exact list varies from state to state: Felony DegreesĬommon law and statutes in most states divide felonies into first through fourth degree felonies, each carrying increasing penalties, and are specifically outlined in the state’s criminal codes. Such crimes include grand larceny, tax evasion, money laundering, and fraud. Many crimes have nothing to do with violence, though are felt to put the public in some other risk of harm, often of a financial nature. Ron is arrested without further incident, but the possession of a firearm in a school, especially when accompanied by other circumstances, may be charged as a felony. For example, Ron carries a gun into a school hidden in his jacket. Some incidents in which there was no actual violence may garner a felony charge because of an intent to commit violence. Violent felonies often contain the use of force or threat against a person, though some states consider violence against property to be a violent felony. During the course of further investigation it is discovered, however, that Joe punched Bob during the incident, breaking his nose. For example, Joe steals a bike from Bob and is originally charged with misdemeanor theft.

In some cases, a misdemeanor charge may be upgraded to a felony once the court has taken into account the offender’s previous criminal history, or the particular circumstances of the crime.

By contrast, those with a misdemeanor conviction generally find the long-term consequences not to be as severe. Many employers refuse to hire convicted felons. These include losing the right to vote, possess firearms, and to hold certain jobs or positions.

Post-conviction consequences:A person with a felony conviction may suffer long-term consequences due to the felony charges appearing on their criminal record.

Felony sentences, however, are longer and some may even result in the death penalty if the state allows.

Length of incarceration: Generally, misdemeanor sentences are no longer than one year in jail.

Prison or jail time: Felonies carry a potential prison sentence, whereas misdemeanors often involve incarceration in a local jail.

The primary differences between the two are: A crime, such as murder, burglary, or arson, of a more serious character, than a misdemeanor.Įach state defines crimes as either misdemeanors or felonies, according to the seriousness of the crime as defined by statute.

Federal felony conviction records