What is classified as a felony?

A felony is classified as a crime that is punishable by death or by imprisonment for a term of one year or more. This classification signifies that the offense is considered more serious than misdemeanors, which are typically punishable by less than a year of imprisonment or fines. Felonies carry significant consequences, including the potential for long-term incarceration, substantial fines, and lasting impacts on an individual's civil rights and employment opportunities.

To further distinguish it from other options, minor property offenses typically relate to misdemeanors and do not meet the threshold for felony classification. Crimes punishable by less than a year would also fall into the misdemeanor category, and a civil infraction is generally a minor violation of law that does not involve jail time, such as traffic violations or local ordinance issues. Thus, the correct classification of a felony is firmly established as a crime punishable by death or imprisonment of one year or more.