Felony Cases

A felony is the most serious classification of criminal offense under U.S. law, generally punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year in a state or federal correctional facility. Felonies involve conduct considered gravely harmful to individuals or society, such as acts of violence, large-scale financial crimes, or offenses threatening public safety.

Across jurisdictions, felony offenses include murder, drug trafficking, armed robbery, aggravated assault, and large-scale fraud. Felony convictions typically carry enduring consequences, including substantial fines, supervised release, and restrictions on civil rights.

Felonies differ from misdemeanors and infractions. While felonies are the highest level of criminal severity, misdemeanors are lesser offenses typically punished by up to one year in a local jail or probation. Infractions, on the other hand, are minor regulatory breaches, such as traffic or ordinance violations, resulting in fines without incarceration.

Felony Classifications and Degrees

The felony classification system in the United States categorizes felony offenses according to their severity, intent, and potential harm, which determines the punishment imposed. At the federal level, felonies are divided into five classes, A through E, under Title 18 of the U.S. Code.

• Class A felonies are the most serious and include crimes such as aggravated murder or treason. Class A felonies are punishable by life imprisonment or the death penalty.

• Class B felonies involve offenses like armed robbery or major drug trafficking, carrying a sentence of up to 25 years.

• Class C involves crimes such as voluntary manslaughter, fraud against the U.S. government exceeding $1m, and sexual assault. It carries a penalty of up to 25 years.

• Class D felonies include offenses such as fraud, burglary, or firearm possession. Class D felonies are punishable by a jail term of up to 10 years.

• Class E felonies involve lesser but still serious crimes, such as mail or wire fraud, minor tax evasion, and false statements to federal agencies. It is punishable by up to five years in prison.

State classification systems differ in terminology and sentencing structures. For example,

• New York follows the class model, Class A to E felonies, mirroring the federal model. The state also subdivides felonies into violent and nonviolent crimes.

• Texas employs terms like "Degrees", "Capital Felony", and "State Jail Felony".

• California applies offense-specific "triads" rather than universal classifications. There is no letter or degree system; felonies are defined individually by statute.

Felony grades are influenced by two primary elements: the seriousness of the harm caused and the offender's intent. Crimes involving death, severe bodily injury, weapons, or vulnerable victims fall within higher classifications. Similarly, intentional or knowing acts receive greater penalties than reckless or negligent conduct.

Legislatures typically enhance classifications for aggravating factors, such as use of a firearm, hate-crime motivation, or prior "strike" convictions. Attempted crimes or those involving minimal participation may be downgraded.

Felony Classifications and Sentencing Frameworks in All 50 States

State	Felony Classification System	Typical Structure	General Sentencing Range
State	Felony Classification System	Typical Structure	General Sentencing Range
Alabama	Class A-C	A, B, C	A: 10-99 yrs or life; B: 2-20; C: 1-10
Alaska	Class A-C, Unclassified	Unclassified, A, B, C	Unclassified: up to 99 yrs; A: ≤20; B: ≤10; C: ≤5
Arizona	Class 1-6	1-6 (1 most severe)	Class 1: life/death; 2: 5-35 yrs; 6: up to 1.5 yrs
Arkansas	Class Y-D	Y, A, B, C, D	Y: 10-40 yrs or life; A: 6-30; D: ≤6
California	Offense-Specific Triads	No fixed class	Common triads: 2/3/4 yrs; violent felonies: life/death
Colorado	Class 1-6	1-6	Class 1: life/death; 2: 8-24 yrs; 6: 1-1.5 yrs
Connecticut	Class A-D, Unclassified	A, B, C, D	A: 10-60 yrs; B: 1-20; D: ≤5
Delaware	Class A-G	A-G	A: life; B: 2-25; G: up to 2 yrs
Florida	Degree Model	Capital, Life, 1st-3rd Degree	Capital: death/life; 1st: ≤30 yrs; 3rd: ≤5
Georgia	Offense-Specific	No formal class	Min. 1 yr; up to life/death for serious crimes
Hawaii	Class A-C	A, B, C	A: ≤20 yrs; B: ≤10; C: ≤5
Idaho	Felony/Misdemeanor	Offense-specific	Up to life or death; otherwise ≤5 or ≤15 yrs typical
Illinois	Class X-4	X, 1-4	X: 6-30 yrs; 1: 4-15; 4: 1-3
Indiana	Level 1-6	1-6	Level 1: 20-40 yrs; 6: 0.5-2.5 yrs
Iowa	Class A-D	A, B, C, D	A: life; B: ≤25 yrs; D: ≤5
Kansas	Severity Grid (Levels 1-10)	Sentencing grid	Level 1 violent: 147-653 months; Level 10: 5-13 months
Kentucky	Class A-D	A-D	A: 20-50 yrs/life; D: 1-5
Louisiana	Offense-Specific	No class	Up to life or death; other felonies 0.5-50 yrs
Maine	Class A-E	A-E	A: ≤30 yrs; B: ≤10; E: ≤6 months
Maryland	Offense-Specific	No class	Ranges from 1 yr to life; defined per statute
Massachusetts	Felony/Misdemeanor	No class	Felony = >1 yr; varies by statute
Michigan	Class A-H	A-H	A: life; B: ≤20; H: ≤2
Minnesota	Offense-Specific + Grid	Severity levels 1-11	Life for 1st-degree murder; grid determines others
Mississippi	Offense-Specific	No class	Life or up to 20 yrs common; varies by statute
Missouri	Class A-E	A-E	A: 10-30 yrs or life; E: ≤4
Montana	Offense-Specific	No class	Up to death or 1 yr-life depending on crime
Nebraska	Class I-IV	I-IV (some subclasses)	I: death; IA: life; IV: ≤2
Nevada	Category A-E	A-E	A: life/death; E: 1-4 yrs
New Hampshire	Class A-B	A-B	A: up to 15 yrs; B: up to 7 yrs
New Jersey	Degree Model	1st-4th Degree	1st: 10-20 yrs; 4th: ≤18 months
New Mexico	Degree Model	1st-4th Degree, Capital	Capital: death/life; 1st: ≤18 yrs; 4th: ≤18 months
New York	Class A-E	A-E (violent/non-violent)	A-I: life; E: ≤4 yrs
North Carolina	Class A-I	A-I	A: death/life; I: 3-12 months
North Dakota	Class A-C	A-C	A: ≤20 yrs; C: ≤5
Ohio	Degree Model	1st-5th Degree	1st: 3-11 yrs; 5th: 6-12 months
Oklahoma	Offense-Specific	No class	Life/death for serious crimes; others ≤10 yrs
Oregon	Class A-C	A-C	A: ≤20 yrs; B: ≤10; C: ≤5
Pennsylvania	Degree Model	1st-3rd Degree	1st: ≤20 yrs; 3rd: ≤7
Rhode Island	Offense-Specific	No class	Up to life or as set by statute
South Carolina	Class A-F	A-F	A: up to 30 yrs; F: ≤5
South Dakota	Class A-C	A-C	A: life/death; C: ≤10
Tennessee	Class A-E	A-E	A: 15-60 yrs; E: 1-6 yrs
Texas	Degree Model + State Jail	Capital, 1st-3rd, State Jail	Capital: death/life; 1st: 5-99 yrs; State Jail: 180d-2 yrs
Utah	Degree Model	1st-3rd Degree	1st: 5-life; 3rd: ≤5 yrs
Vermont	Felony/Misdemeanor	No class	Life max; otherwise ≤3-15 yrs
Virginia	Class 1-6	1-6	Class 1: death/life; 6: ≤5 yrs
Washington	Class A-C	A-C	A: life; B: ≤10; C: ≤5
West Virginia	Offense-Specific	No class	Life for capital crimes; others ≤10 yrs typical
Wisconsin	Class A-I	A-I	A: life; I: ≤3.5 yrs
Wyoming	Offense-Specific	No class	Death/life for severe; lesser ≤10 yrs

The Felony Court Process

The felony court process varies by jurisdiction; however, most felony cases progress through five principal stages.

Arrest and Booking

A felony prosecution begins when law enforcement establishes probable cause to believe that a serious offense has occurred. Officers may arrest with a warrant or under specific circumstances, without one. After arrest, individuals must be advised of their Miranda rights, including the right to remain silent and to counsel. Following an arrest, the suspect is booked, meaning their personal information, fingerprints, and photographs are recorded.

Arraignment and Bail

At arraignment, the defendant is formally informed of the charges and enters a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. The judge then determines bail eligibility by considering flight risks and public safety.

Defendants may be released on personal recognizance, meaning they are freed without paying bail but must promise to appear in court. Alternatively, they may be required to post a surety bond, providing financial security to guarantee their return for trial. However, certain violent felonies may warrant denial of bail.

Preliminary Hearing or Grand Jury

This phase determines whether sufficient evidence exists to move forward. Some jurisdictions employ a grand jury, a citizen panel that issues indictments upon finding probable cause. Others use a preliminary hearing, where a judge evaluates evidence, and defense counsel may cross-examine witnesses.

Pre-Trial and Trial Stages

During pre-trial, the parties exchange evidence through discovery, and most cases are resolved through plea bargaining, reducing court congestion. If no plea is reached, the case proceeds to trial, involving jury selection, presentation of evidence, witness examination, and closing arguments. The jury deliberates and returns a verdict, typically requiring unanimity in felony cases.

Sentencing and Post-Conviction

Upon conviction, penalties depend on the felony class, prior record, and any aggravated or mitigating factors. Sanctions typically include:

• Imprisonment

• Probation or community supervision

• Fines and court costs

• Restitution to victims

Federal judges apply the United States Sentencing Guidelines, while states follow their own legal frameworks. After sentencing, defendants may seek appeals, post-conviction relief, or clemency, ensuring judicial oversight and the protection of constitutional rights.

Types of Felony Offenses

Felony offenses are broadly categorized based on the nature of the act, level of harm, and degree of intent. Legislatures classify these crimes to reflect their seriousness and to guide sentencing.

• Violent Felonies: Violent felonies involve physical harm, threats, or actions that endanger life. These crimes are the most severe due to their direct impact on victims. Common examples include murder, manslaughter, kidnapping, assault with a deadly weapon, and armed robbery. Convictions typically result in lengthy imprisonment, life sentences, or, in some jurisdictions, capital punishment.

• Property Felonies: It concerns the unlawful taking or destruction of another's property. Examples include burglary, arson, grand theft, and embezzlement. Penalties depend on the value of the property and the degree of intent, with more severe cases leading to extended prison terms and restitution orders.

• Drug Felonies: Drug felonies encompass the possession, manufacture, trafficking, or distribution of controlled substances. Federal law categorizes drugs by schedules, with harsher penalties for more dangerous substances or larger quantities. Sentences can range from several years to life imprisonment. Some states allow treatment-based alternatives for first-time or non-violent offenders.

• White-Collar Felonies: White-collar felonies are financially motivated crimes involving deceit or breach of trust. Typical examples include fraud, identity theft, insider trading, and large-scale embezzlement. White-collar felonies may result in huge fines, forfeiture of assets, and imprisonment.

• Sex Offenses: Sex-related felonies involve non-consensual acts of exploitation, including rape, sexual assault, and child exploitation. These crimes carry some of the harshest penalties, including long incarceration periods, mandatory sex offender registration, and post-release supervision. Aggravated factors, such as the victim's age or use of violence, can elevate these offenses to life sentences.

Penalties and Long-Term Consequences

Felony sentencing is determined by the crime's class or degree and shaped by statutory guidelines considering both aggravating and mitigating factors.

• Aggravating factors, such as the use of a deadly weapon, serious bodily harm, victim vulnerability, or prior convictions, can increase penalties. It typically results in longer imprisonment or consecutive sentences.

• Mitigating factors, including lack of criminal history, genuine remorse, or cooperation with authorities, may significantly reduce punishment. Judges may impose reduced sentences, probation instead of imprisonment, or recommend alternative rehabilitation programs.

The penalty for felony offenses typically ranges from several years to life imprisonment, with fines and restitution. Additionally, post-release supervision is frequently imposed.

Beyond incarceration, felony convictions carry lasting collateral consequences. Individuals may lose voting rights, firearm privileges, and eligibility for a professional license or public employment. Felony convictions can also impact child custody, public housing eligibility, and candidacy for public office.

Parole eligibility varies by jurisdiction, with many states requiring offenders to serve a minimum percentage of their sentence before release consideration. Mandatory minimum laws for drug, firearm, and violent crimes limit judicial discretion and extend incarceration terms.

Expungement and Record Relief for Felony Convictions

Expungement and record relief provide individuals convicted of felonies an opportunity to mitigate the long-term impact of their criminal records. Eligibility for expungement or record sealing is state-specific and typically depends on factors such as:

• The nature of the offense.

• The case outcome.

• Completion of all sentencing requirements.

• The length of the post-conviction waiting period.

Nonviolent and lower-level felonies may be eligible for expungement or sealing after several years without new offenses. On the other hand, serious crimes are typically not sealable or expungeable.

Expungement erases or destroys a conviction, effectively removing it from public view and criminal record searches. Sealing, on the converse, restricts access to the record, allowing courts and law enforcement to retain limited visibility while shielding it from employers and landlords.

A pardon, issued by a governor or the president, constitutes an act of executive clemency that forgives the offense and restores the individual's civil rights, but does not erase the record.

Post-conviction relief can significantly improve opportunities for reintegration. Individuals with sealed or expunged records experience reduced stigma, higher employment rates, and access to stable housing.

Many states also issue certificates of rehabilitation or good conduct, signaling official recognition of reform and aiding professional licensing and job applications.

Accessing Felony Court Records

Felony court records are generally presumed public, allowing access to case captions, party names, docket numbers, charges, motions, hearing dates, verdicts, and sentencing judgments. Additionally, sentencing orders and appellate decisions information are open to the public.

However, certain materials, such as juvenile records, expunged or vacated convictions, grand jury proceedings, presentence reports, mental health evaluations, and victim or witness identifiers, are sealed or redacted to protect privacy and due process.

How to Search Felony Records Online

At the federal level, the PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) provides access to federal felony records. State court portals such as New York's Court Access or California's Superior Court websites offer similar tools with varying levels of detail.

Public court records aggregators, like CourtCaseFinder, also provide online access to felony records. Platforms like CourtCaseFinder aggregate jail, arrest, and court data from multiple official sources, offering broader coverage and more consistent updates than many other public-record aggregators.

Still, users should exercise caution when using third-party databases, as the accuracy and timeliness of information can vary. It remains crucial to confirm any critical information directly through the relevant court or law enforcement agency to ensure completeness and accuracy.

How to Retrieve Felony Records Offline

Certified copies of felony records can be obtained from the Clerk of Court by completing the necessary request forms, paying the required fees, and presenting valid identification. Processing times vary by jurisdiction, and copies of appeal-related documents may require additional authorization.

Rights of Defendants in Felony Cases

Defendants in felony cases are safeguarded by constitutional guarantees under the Sixth and Fourteenth Amendments, ensuring fairness and due process throughout criminal proceedings. These rights include:

• The entitlement to legal counsel.

• A speedy and public trial.

• An impartial jury.

• Notice of charges.

• The opportunity to confront and cross-examine witnesses.

Due process also requires fair procedures, disclosure of favorable evidence, and equal protection under the law.

Indigent defendants are entitled to a court-appointed public defender or assigned counsel at no cost, while others may retain private attorneys of their choice. Regardless of representation, both forms of counsel are bound by ethical duties to provide competent, diligent defense, ensuring that justice is administered in accordance with constitutional principles.

FAQs About Felony Cases

Here are clear explanations to common questions asked regarding felony cases.