What are the different types of felonies?

There are several categories of felonies:

• Capital Felonies – are felonies punishable by death. The most common capital crimes are first degree murder and sexual battery on a person under 12 years of age.
• Life Felonies – are felonies punishable by life in prison. A person must serve at least 30 years of a life sentence. Life felonies include sexual battery of a person over 12 years of age and felonies in which a firearm is discharged (such as robbery with a firearm).
• First Degree Felonies – are punishable by up to 30 years in prison. A common first degree crime in burglary with an assault or battery. Robbery with a weapon other than a firearm is also a first degree felony.
• Second Degree Felonies – are punishable by up to 15 years in prison. Dealing in stolen property is an example of a second degree felony.
• Third Degree Felonies – are punishable by up to 5 years in prison. The most common third degree felonies are grand theft and driving on a suspended license as an habitual offender.

No matter which felony you have been accused of, the penalty is serious. There are also unforeseen consequences such as fines, loss of your voting rights, registration penalties and possibly even the loss of a job or home. If you have been arrested for a felony contact a criminal lawyer now! An attorney will act in your best interest and protect your rights. Don’t wait! Call an attorney today!