Legal Definitions - violent felony

A violent felony is a serious crime that involves the use or threat of violence against another person or property. It is a type of offense that is considered more severe than a minor crime or misdemeanor.

Examples of violent felonies include:

• Murder
• Rape
• Assault with a deadly weapon
• Robbery
• Burglary

These crimes are punishable by long prison sentences, and in some cases, even the death penalty. The severity of the punishment reflects the seriousness of the crime and the harm it causes to society.

For example, murder is a violent felony because it involves the intentional killing of another person. This crime is considered one of the most serious offenses and is punishable by life imprisonment or the death penalty in some states.