What defines a felony in legal terms?

A felony is defined as a serious crime that typically carries a heavier penalty than misdemeanors, which are less severe offenses. The classification of crimes into felonies and misdemeanors helps legal systems address varying degrees of unlawful behavior. Felonies often involve actions that can result in significant harm to individuals or society, such as murder, rape, robbery, and large-scale drug trafficking. Penalties for felonies usually include substantial prison sentences, potential fines, or both, and may even result in long-term consequences such as loss of certain civil rights. Understanding the gravity of felonies underscores their impact on public safety and the legal system's approach to managing crime.