Felony in Mississippi
State-specific overview · Criminal Law
Mississippi defines felonies as crimes punishable by imprisonment in the state penitentiary for more than one year or by death.
How Mississippi treats Felony
Mississippi's definition mirrors the general federal standard, with felonies distinguished by imprisonment in the state penitentiary rather than county jail. The state recognizes capital felonies punishable by death, primarily murder under certain circumstances. Felony convictions in Mississippi result in loss of voting rights during incarceration and restrictions on firearm ownership.
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 Mississippi.