Criminal law ranks offenses by seriousness. A felony is a grave crime, typically punishable by imprisonment for more than one year or by death in jurisdictions that retain capital punishment.

Examples traditionally include murder, robbery, serious drug trafficking, and certain frauds. Collateral consequences of a felony conviction often include loss of firearm rights, jury service disqualification, and barriers to employment and licensing. Procedures for felonies usually include greater charging formality and enhanced defense rights.

Legislatures define which offenses qualify as felonies and may reclassify crimes over time. The felony label affects bail decisions, sentencing ranges, and public perception. Distinguishing felonies from misdemeanors remains a basic organizing principle of criminal codes.

• Serious crime with potential imprisonment over one year
• Carries significant collateral consequences
• Subject to formal charging and trial procedures
• Defined by statute in each jurisdiction