South Florida Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog
CRIMES
50 ‘most charged’ crimes defined
What is a FELONY?
A felony is any crime which is punishable by one year or more in prison.
Felonies are divided into degrees.
Felonies also carry a loss of civil rights:
- -the right to vote
- -the right to hold elected office
- -the right to own a firearm
- -some require you register with the local sheriff
- -some professions disqualify felons.
In several states, conviction of a sex crime or sexually motivated crime can result in civil commitment after incarceration. Civil commitment means you can be returned to prison for indefinite term if a jury finds you a continuing risk of recidivism for sex crimes.