Characteristics of Felonies
1. Emphasis on Damage: Felonies are crimes that seriously impair people, communities, or the financial system. This injury may be financial, psychological, or bodily.
2. Particular Crimes: Examples include drug-related offenses like large-scale drug trafficking; violent crimes like murder, assault, and rape; property crimes like burglary, arson, and grand theft auto; major tax evasion; insider trading; embezzlement; and cybercrimes involving significant financial loss or privacy breaches.
3. Length of Imprisonment: Minimum penalties for felonies are more than a year in jail. Depending on the jurisdiction and the offense, sentences might range from a few years to life in prison and, in certain extreme circumstances, the death penalty.
4. Penalties: Felony convictions may also include heavy penalties, which are meant to penalize the criminal and maybe make up for any harm done to the victims.
5. Varied Systems: As mentioned before, felony classifications differ by jurisdiction. Some states use a lettered system (Class A, B, and C), with Class A being the most serious. Others have a numerical system (Levels 1, 2, and 3), with Level 1 being the most serious.
6. Sentencing Guidelines: These classifications determine the potential sentencing range for a particular felony. There may also be mandatory minimum sentences for specific crimes.
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