Definition from Nolo’s Plain-English Law Dictionary A serious
crime (contrasted with less serious crimes such as misdemeanors
and infractions), usually punishable by a prison term of more
than one year or, in some cases, by death. For example, murder,
extortion, and kidnapping are felonies; a minor fist fight is
usually charged as a misdemeanor, and a speeding ticket is
generally an infraction. In some states, certain crimes (known
as wobblers) may be charged as both a misdemeanor and a felony,
and the eventual designation depends on the defendant's ability
to fulfill the conditions of his sentence. (See also: wobbler
Definition provided by Nolo’s Plain-English Law Dictionary.
August 19, 2010, 5:16 pm