Felony in District of Columbia
State-specific overview · Criminal Law
DC defines felonies as crimes punishable by more than one year imprisonment, following the federal standard.
How District of Columbia treats Felony
The District of Columbia applies the standard federal definition: a felony is any offense for which the penalty exceeds one year in prison. DC law distinguishes felonies from misdemeanors based solely on the authorized sentence, not the actual sentence imposed. DC courts follow federal sentencing guidelines and procedures for felony cases. The DC Superior Court handles felony prosecutions, and felony convictions carry collateral consequences including voting restrictions and firearm prohibitions under DC law.
The general definition of Felony
A serious crime punishable by more than one year in prison or death.
A felony is the most serious category of crime in the US criminal system. The key distinction is punishment: if a conviction can result in more than one year of imprisonment, it's a felony. Felonies include crimes like murder, rape, robbery, and drug trafficking. A felony conviction carries long-term consequences, including loss of voting rights, gun ownership restrictions, and difficulty finding employment.
Read the full Felony entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in District of Columbia.