Legal Definitions - felony

A felony is a serious crime that is punishable by law. The severity of the crime and its punishment varies from state to state.

In most states, felonies are classified into different categories based on the maximum term of imprisonment authorized.

• Class A: Punishable by life imprisonment or death
• Class B: Punishable by 25 years or more imprisonment
• Class C: Punishable by less than 25 years but 10 or more years imprisonment
• Class D: Punishable by less than 10 years but 5 or more years imprisonment
• Class E: Punishable by less than 5 years but more than 1 year imprisonment

However, some states do not classify felonies by categories and instead sentence on a crime-by-crime basis.

• Murder: Class A felony
• Rape: Class B felony
• Burglary: Class C felony
• Grand theft auto: Class D felony
• Possession of illegal drugs: Class E felony

These examples illustrate how different crimes can be classified as different types of felonies based on their severity and the maximum punishment authorized by law.