Crimes that are felonies have severe penalties, including the death penalty or life prison sentences. Most crimes are sorted into three categories:
- Felonies
- Misdemeanors
- Infractions
Felonies are the most serious of the three. Here are some examples of crimes that are felonies:
- Sexual assault
- Murder
- Kidnapping
Other crimes that are not usually felonies may result in felony charges if they are severe enough or involve a large enough sum of money. In some cases, a repeat misdemeanor offender may be charged with a felony.
Punishments For Felonies
The punishments for felonies can vary depending on the crime committed and the severity. In some cases, the law provides sentencing guidelines so the judge can use their discretion to give a suitable penalty for the circumstances of the crime.
People convicted of felonies will often be incarcerated in federal or state prison. In some cases, those convicted of felonies may be eligible for probation.
Will All Felonies Be Punished With Prison Time?
Not always. First-time felonies and mild felonies may not be given prison time. They may be given probation instead of incarceration. If the felony was serious, the defendant is most likely to be incarcerated.
Probation For Felonies
Probation is sometimes offered to those convicted of felonies instead of incarceration. The probation will provide conditions that must be followed. The penalty for violating probation conditions is often prison time.
Some probation conditions for felonies are:
- Drug testing
- Not breaking the law
- Community service
- Treatment for drug or alcohol addiction like AA or NA
- Check-ins with a probation officer
- Orders to stay away from victims or specific places
Supervised Release and Parole For Felonies
Supervised release and parole are often offered towards the end of the prison sentence. When giving a prison sentence for criminals convicted of felonies, the judge will state if there is the possibility for parole or early release.
If a detainee is eligible for parole, then a parole board will review the case and decide if they will release the detainee. If parole is granted, then the parolee will have to follow conditions of probation. The parole conditions will be tailored to their circumstances and may include things like sobriety, holding down a job, and monitoring by a parole officer.
Another option is supervised release. The judge will set the supervised release period when they sentence the person for their felonies. Poor behavior during their sentence may reduce their supervised release time. This may be for things like committing crimes or being disciplined.
If someone violates their parole or supervised release conditions, then they will have to serve the rest of their sentence in prison.
Consequences of Felonies
Financial Consequences of Felonies
Felonies can be expensive; there are fines to pay, restitutions, and legal fees. If the person is eligible for probation, they will have to pay for drug and alcohol testing, supervision costs, and electronic monitoring. Most felonies will also have surcharges and court fees. Prison time is not the only consequence of felonies.
Other Consequences of Felonies
Felonies carry criminal records that will affect your life forever. It may impact your immigration status, civil rights, housing, and employment.
A criminal record can prevent you from working in certain fields or obtaining the professional license you need to work in a certain field. For example, you will not be able to work with children. Employers will often ask about your criminal record, so you may struggle to find a job in any field once you disclose your criminal record.
Your criminal record and your felonies may mean you struggle to find housing. In some cases, you may not be eligible for federal housing. If you were convicted of a sex crime, then you may face restrictions on where you can live. Your immigration status may also be at risk. Some felonies are deportable offenses.
A criminal record with felonies may also prevent you from:
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- Buying and owning firearms
- Serving on a jury
- Voting
Can Felonies Been Expunged?
Those convicted of felonies may petition for their criminal record to be expunged or sealed. That will reduce the difficulty that the criminal record causes. To petition for your felonies to be expunged, you will need to have served your sentence and not committed any other crimes.