Felony Definition and Legal Meaning

n. 1) A crime that is deemed serious enough to result in punishment by death or sentencing to a term in state or federal prison. Misdemeanors are only punishable by a term in county or local jail and/or fine. 2) Any crime that carries a minimum term of more than one year in state prison because a shorter term can be served in county jail. Also referred to a “high crimes,” felony convictions may be for less than a year if the judge decides to lower the sentence.