Felony
Felony: A serious crime. Under federal law, it is an offense with a maximum prison term of more than one year (18 U.S.C. § 3559(a)(1) to (5)). A felony conviction can carry lasting effects, such as limits on firearm possession. Each state defines its own felonies.
What felony means
In practice, you will see felony in pleadings, motions, orders and court rules. The definition above explains the general meaning. Even so, the meaning can shift with context. Therefore, always read it alongside the rule or document where it appears.
Where felony comes up
The term is used across many kinds of cases. For example, you may see it in pleadings, motions and court orders. To see it in context, browse the motions and procedures library or the Learn the Law topics.
Read the source: Misdemeanor, 18 U.S.C. § 3559.
How to research the term
Start with the primary source. For example, if felony appears in a federal rule, read the rule itself and its official notes. After that, check your court’s local rules and any standing orders from the judge. In addition, search recent decisions from your own state or federal district. They show how courts read felony in practice. Because state rules often differ, our state procedures guide links to each state’s official rules. Above all, make sure the version you read is still in force.
You can read the current federal court rules online for free.
Related legal terms
- Fair Credit Reporting Act: a federal law, 15 U.S.C. § 1681 and following, that governs credit reports. It requires consumer reporting agencies to investigate disputes and to delete or correct information that is inaccurate, incomplete or cannot be verified (§ 1681i).
- Fair Debt Collection Practices Act: a federal law, 15 U.S.C. § 1692 and following, that limits how debt collectors may collect consumer debts. It bans harassment and false or misleading statements, and § 1692g gives consumers the right to dispute a debt and get verification.
- Federal Constitution: the Constitution of the United States, which established the federal government, divided power among Congress, the President and the federal courts, and protects individual rights through its text and amendments.
- Federal Reserve note: paper currency issued by the Federal Reserve Banks, which is the paper money in everyday use in the United States.
Why precise terms matter
Courts read legal terms closely. As a result, knowing the exact meaning of a word helps you follow orders, rules and filings. Each glossary entry on Lawtopolis is short on purpose and links to the pages where the term is used.
Sources
Sources last reviewed: 2026-10-24
Lawtopolis provides legal information and education, not legal advice. Using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws and court rules vary by jurisdiction and change over time; verify every authority against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction about your situation.