Felony in Maine
State-specific overview · Criminal Law
Maine defines felonies as crimes punishable by more than one year imprisonment, consistent with federal standards.
How Maine treats Felony
Maine classifies felonies into classes A through D, with Class A felonies carrying sentences up to life imprisonment. The state uses a determinate sentencing system where judges impose fixed sentences within statutory ranges. Maine also recognizes habitual offender status for repeat felony convictions, which can result in extended sentences.
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 Maine.