In legal terms, what constitutes a felony?

A felony is defined as a serious crime that typically carries a punishment of more than one year in prison. This classification distinguishes felonies from less severe crimes, known as misdemeanors, which usually result in shorter sentences, fines, or community service. Felonies cover a wide range of serious offenses, including assault, robbery, murder, and drug trafficking, among others. The legal system views felonies as more grave transgressions against societal laws and norms, thus meriting harsher penalties to serve as both retribution and deterrent. It is crucial for law enforcement and legal professionals to understand these categories to apply the appropriate legal measures, adjudicate cases effectively, and ensure public safety.