How is a felony characterized?

A felony is characterized as a serious crime that typically involves substantial harm to individuals, property, or society as a whole. This classification distinguishes felonies from less serious offenses, which are generally categorized as misdemeanors or infractions. Felonies often carry significant penalties, such as long-term imprisonment, substantial fines, or both. They can include offenses such as murder, robbery, and drug trafficking, among others.

Understanding the distinction is crucial as it influences the legal process, potential defenses, and the severity of the consequences faced by an accused individual. In contrast, other classifications of offenses, such as minor offenses, civil infractions, or violations of local ordinances, typically involve lesser legal repercussions and generally carry lighter sentences or fines.