Felony

A serious criminal offense. Under federal law, any offense punishable by death or imprisonment for a term exceeding one year.

A crime carrying a penalty of more than a year in prison.

A serious crime carrying a penalty of more than a year in prison. See also misdemeanor.

A crime of a more serious nature than those designated by the legislature as misdemeanors or violations. In Delaware, the statute a person is charged with violating will normally indicate whether the offense is considered a felony or misdemeanor. The information or indictment will also normally state whether the offense is a felony or misdemeanor. Under the laws of Delaware, a person convicted of a felony loses some civil rights, such as the right to vote or hold political office.

The most serious category of criminal offenses. With penalties of imprisonment ranging from a year and a day to life, or in some states, punishable by death. In Minnesota, a felony is a crime punishable by imprisonment of more than one year, with or without a fine.

A criminal offense for which the possible penalty exceeds one year in prison.