Felony in Michigan
State-specific overview · Criminal Law
Michigan defines felonies as crimes punishable by more than one year in prison, following the standard federal definition.
How Michigan treats Felony
Michigan's felony threshold is imprisonment exceeding one year, consistent with federal law. Felony convictions in Michigan carry significant collateral consequences, including loss of voting rights during incarceration and restrictions on firearm possession. Michigan also recognizes "felony by statute," where the legislature explicitly designates a crime as a felony regardless of the sentence imposed.
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 Michigan.