Felony in New Jersey
State-specific overview · Criminal Law
New Jersey defines felonies as crimes of the first through fourth degree, each with distinct sentencing ranges exceeding one year.
How New Jersey treats Felony
New Jersey's criminal code organizes felonies into four degrees, with first-degree crimes being the most serious and carrying sentences up to life imprisonment. A felony conviction in New Jersey results in loss of voting rights during incarceration and permanent restrictions on firearm ownership for most offenders. New Jersey law provides for sentence enhancements based on prior convictions and other aggravating factors, and judges must follow sentencing guidelines within statutory ranges.
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 New Jersey.