List of Felonies in the US
A felony is a serious crime in which punishment can range from imprisonment to death or life sentences in extreme cases. Conviction on a felony can also include fines and community service. Felony offenders are often tried in state courts, while some trials are conducted by the federal government. There are several common crimes that are considered felonies on the state and national levels.
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White-Collar Felonies
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White-collar felonies are serious crimes that are committed in a business or professional setting. Typically nonviolent, these felonies often consist of people attempting to gain a financial advantage at the loss to a business or professional. Tax evasion is a felony that results in a fine of not more than $100,000 and imprisonment of not more than 5 years as of 2011. Embezzlement is financial fraud that involves dishonestly withholding money or assets from a company or person, and can result in a felony offense depending on how egregious the crime is. Fraudulent activity such as bribery, identity theft, insider trading and kickbacks are other potential white-collar felonies.
Property Crimes
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Felony property crimes involve another person or corporation's physical, non-financial assets. Burglary is a type of property crime in which an individual will enter a home, store or business and steal or damage items. Larceny is the theft of personal property belonging to another, such as a motor vehicle or electronic goods. Forgery (passing off another person's signature as your own), shoplifting, vandalism and arson (burning another person's property) are other crimes that can be charged as felonies depending on severity.
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Violent Felonies
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Felony offenses can also be violent in nature or intent. These crimes involve another person committing bodily harm to an individual or group. Murder and attempted murder are felony crimes in which one person kills or attempts to kill another. Different states impose varying sentences for a murder conviction, but it commonly includes several years imprisonment. Texas, for example, can impose the death penalty as a maximum sentence, while New York can impose a maximum sentence of life in prison. Rape or sexual assault is also a common felony that results in the convicted criminal receiving status as a registered sex offender. Other common violent felonies include armed robbery, manslaughter and aggravated assault.
Aggravated Felonies
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A federal-level aggravated felony can only be committed by an alien who has yet to receive legal permanent status or citizenship. In accordance with the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, an alien who has committed an aggravated felony cannot become a citizen or subsequently enter the United States. In addition to the crimes listed above, an aggravated felony can consist of illicit drug or firearm trafficking, alien smuggling, prostitution crimes or illegally entering the Uniter States. Aggravated felonies on the state level have an entirely different meaning and don't involve immigration-related offenses.
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