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felony

noun

/ˈfɛləni/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of felony

A serious crime, typically punishable by imprisonment for more than one year or by death.
"The felony charge was reduced to a misdemeanor as part of a plea deal."

Detailed meaning of felony

Examples of felonies include murder, rape, armed robbery, and grand theft. Felonies are considered to be more severe than misdemeanors, which are typically punishable by less than one year in jail. The classification of a crime as a felony or a misdemeanor is determined by the laws of the jurisdiction in which the crime is committed. In addition to incarceration, a person convicted of a felony may also face other penalties such as fines, probation, and loss of certain rights, such as the right to vote or own a firearm.

Example sentences containing felony

1. The perpetrator was charged with multiple felonies, including burglary and assault.
2. Committing a felony can result in severe penalties, such as imprisonment.
3. He was found guilty of a felony and sentenced to 10 years in prison.
4. The lawyer specialized in defending clients accused of felonies.
5. The suspect was arrested for attempting to flee the scene of a felony.
6. Felonies are considered serious crimes that often involve harm to others or significant property damage.

History and etymology of felony

The noun 'felony' has an etymology that reflects its seriousness in the realm of criminal law. It can be traced back to the Old French term 'felonie,' which was derived from the earlier Medieval Latin word 'felonia.' This Medieval Latin term evolved from the Latin word 'felonice,' which meant 'wickedness' or 'evil conduct.' 'Felony' refers to a grave and heinous crime, typically punishable by imprisonment for more than one year or even by death in some jurisdictions. The etymology of 'felony' underscores the concept of wickedness or evil associated with such serious criminal offenses, highlighting the moral and legal gravity of these acts and their historical roots in notions of wrongdoing and malevolence.

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Further usage examples of felony

1. The judge ruled that the defendant's actions constituted a felony offense.
2. The victim suffered a life-altering injury as a result of the felony committed against them.
3. The convicted felon was prohibited from owning firearms.
4. The prosecutor presented evidence proving the defendant's involvement in the felony.
5. The felony conviction on his record made it difficult for him to find employment.
6. The suspect faced a lengthy trial for the alleged commission of multiple felonies.
7. The community rallied together to support the victims of the felony.
8. The defense attorney argued for a reduced sentence, claiming that the defendant's actions did not warrant a felony charge.
9. The felonious act shocked the local community, prompting a call for stricter law enforcement.
10. The felon pleaded guilty to the charges in order to avoid a potentially harsher sentence.
11. The felony case garnered media attention due to its high-profile nature.
12. The victim testified in court, recounting the details of the felony committed against them.
13. The convicted felon was required to complete a rehabilitation program as part of their sentence.
14. The judge handed down a sentence of 15 years for the felony conviction.