Felony - Crime and Punishment

What is a felony? These are crimes of a graver or more serious nature. Each state classifies felonies differently and as such, redners punishments differently as well.

A felony lends an air of gravity to a crime. Compared to a misdemeanor, a felony is a serious crime, usually related to criminal matters. Under common law, there is an array of crimes that can be considered felonies.

Drug possession is considered a felony, but this is dependent on certain qualifications including the weight or amount of the drug that is found, the type of drug that the person had in possession and the intent for the drug, especially if it was meant for distribution or resale.

Drinking and driving is not a felony on the first charge, but in some states, a third offense of driving under the influence becomes considered a felony. Murder, rape, burglary and arson are all taken to be felonies regardless of the circumstances and the number of instances the crime was committed. Aside from these, other common felonies are embezzlement, fraud, grand theft, espionage and racketeering.

How are Felonies Classified?

There are four basic classifications of felonies, beginning with the first degree principals, which refers to the actual perpetrators of the crimes. The second degree principals refer to those people who were accessories to the crime, i.e., those who assisted at the scene of the crime but may not have actually committed any crimes. Second degree principals are also called aiders and abettors.

The third type of felony is charged on accessories before the crime, i.e., those people who assisted in planning the staging of the crime but were not present when it actually took place. Finally, the fourth type of those charged with a felony is accessories after the crime. Once again, they may not be present at the crime scene itself, but assisted with the first degree principal, usually with a cover-up of the crime.

Felonies - Types of Punishment

The punishment for felonies varies from one state to another, depending on the legislature in that state. There are usually maximum punishments allowable for each state, but the court has to decide on this on a per case basis.

Imprisonment, usually anywhere from a period of a year to an entire lifetime is one of the most common types of punishment for felonies. In some states where the death penalty is still legal, convicts are sentenced to die once proven guilty.

Following imprisonment, the felon faces a social stigma. He or she is also faced with a loss of certain privileges once freed from prison. For instance, the felon may not be allowed to vote and may not enter certain lines of work, even after being exonerated. The felon may also not be allowed to purchase firearms or ammunition and may not be allowed to run for public office. Certain kinds of licenses may not be given to a felon. If you are planning to get a divorce from a felon, then it can be grounds for an uncontested divorce.

In theory, felons should be allowed to expunge the criminal act from their records so that they can start on a clean slate. However, the federal government has not allowed this practice to maintain the safety and security of other citizens. Because of this, it can be very difficult for a felon to assimilate himself or herself back into society again.

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