Crime vs. Felony — What's the Difference?

Any act that poses significant harm to individuals or community.

An act punishable by more than one year in prison.

A breach of rules or laws for which some governing authority can ultimately prescribe a conviction.

A category of crimes considered more severe than misdemeanors.

An action or omission that constitutes an offense that may be prosecuted by the state.

Crimes that can lead to significant legal penalties and societal stigmatization.

An illegal act punishable by a state or other authority.

A felony is traditionally considered a crime of high seriousness, whereas a misdemeanor is regarded as less serious. The term "felony" originated from English common law (from the French medieval word "félonie") to describe an offense that resulted in the confiscation of a convicted person's land and goods, to which additional punishments including capital punishment could be added; other crimes were called misdemeanors.

Actions punishable by law, ranging from minor infractions to major felonies.

Any of several crimes in early English law that were punishable by forfeiture of land or goods and by capital or other serious punishment.

In ordinary language, a crime is an unlawful act punishable by a state or other authority. The term crime does not, in modern criminal law, have any simple and universally accepted definition, though statutory definitions have been provided for certain purposes.

An act on the part of the vassal which cost him his fee by forfeiture.

An act committed in violation of law where the consequence of conviction by a court is punishment, especially where the punishment is a serious one such as imprisonment.

An offense which occasions a total forfeiture either lands or goods, or both, at the common law, and to which capital or other punishment may be added, according to the degree of guilt.

Unlawful activity

A serious offense, especially one in violation of morality.

An unjust, senseless, or disgraceful act or condition

(countable) A specific act committed in violation of the law.

(countable) Any great sin or wickedness; iniquity.

That which occasions crime.

(uncountable) Criminal acts collectively.

(uncountable) The habit or practice of committing crimes.

To subject to disciplinary punishment.

(nonce word) To commit crime.

Any violation of law, either divine or human; an omission of a duty commanded, or the commission of an act forbidden by law.

Gross violation of human law, in distinction from a misdemeanor or trespass, or other slight offense. Hence, also, any aggravated offense against morality or the public welfare; any outrage or great wrong.

Any great wickedness or sin; iniquity.

That which occasion crime.

(criminal law) an act punishable by law; usually considered an evil act;

An evil act not necessarily punishable by law;

Many employers conduct background checks that reveal felony convictions, which can hinder job opportunities.

A crime is any act that violates a law and is punishable by fines, imprisonment, or other sanctions.

Felony convictions can lead to the loss of voting rights, firearm possession rights, and certain professional licenses.

In some jurisdictions, felonies may be expunged under specific conditions, but this varies widely.

Infractions or petty offenses, which are only punishable by fines and do not lead to imprisonment, are the least severe.

Yes, any act that breaks a law is technically a crime, though the severity can vary widely.

Yes, under certain conditions, such as repeat offenses or severe circumstances, a misdemeanor can be elevated to a felony.

The classification and treatment of felonies can vary significantly between different countries and legal systems.

Felony charges typically require more formal court processes, including grand juries and trial juries, compared to lesser crimes.

Many states disenfranchise individuals with felony convictions, often permanently.

Society generally views felonies as much more serious than misdemeanors, reflecting in harsher judgments and stigmatization.

Police enforce laws by investigating crimes and arresting individuals suspected of committing them.

Crimes involving great bodily harm, significant property damage, or major theft are typically felonies.

Misdemeanors are typically punishable by less than a year of imprisonment, or only fines.