Felony in Montana
State-specific overview · Criminal Law
Montana defines felonies as crimes punishable by more than one year in prison, following the standard federal definition.
How Montana treats Felony
Montana law classifies felonies into four categories based on severity and sentencing ranges. A felony conviction in Montana carries significant collateral consequences, including loss of voting rights during incarceration and restrictions on firearm ownership. Montana courts distinguish felonies from misdemeanors primarily by the length of potential imprisonment, with felonies reserved for the most serious offenses.
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 Montana.