Felony in Oregon
State-specific overview · Criminal Law
Oregon classifies felonies by crime category (A, B, C) with corresponding sentencing ranges, not simply by exceeding one year.
How Oregon treats Felony
Oregon uses a structured sentencing system where felonies fall into categories A, B, or C, each with specific presumptive sentence ranges. A Class A felony carries the longest sentences, while Class C felonies carry shorter terms but still exceed one year. The state's sentencing guidelines require judges to impose sentences within these ranges unless aggravating or mitigating factors apply, making the classification system more complex than the federal baseline.
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 Oregon.