In everyday language, the word “felon” is often used to describe someone who has committed a serious crime. But legally speaking, a “felon” is someone who has been convicted of a felony, which is defined in the United States as any crime punishable by death or imprisonment in a federal penitentiary for more than one year.
Examples of felonies include murder, burglary, rape, theft, arson, and possession of controlled substances. Some states also list less serious offenses as felonies, such as certain acts of fraud or embezzlement. In certain states, the punishment for a felony conviction is more severe than one year in prison.
While felonies are serious enough to be punishable by lengthy prison terms, there are arguments that a person who has been convicted of a felony is not necessarily a “felon” for life. This is because a person who has served their sentence, paid all associated fines, and has kept a clean record for a certain period of time can have their felony conviction expunged from their record.
Consequences of Having a Felony Conviction
Having a felony conviction on your record can make it difficult to obtain employment, housing, and credit. Depending on the state, convicted felons may also not be allowed to vote or hold public office.
In addition, persons with a felony conviction may also face restrictions on their freedom of movement. In some states, felons may only be able to travel to certain places within the state or have restrictions placed upon their ability to travel abroad.
This is why it is important for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to understand the consequences of their conviction and take steps to have their record expunged if possible.