Felony in Utah
State-specific overview · Criminal Law
Utah defines felonies as crimes punishable by more than one year in prison, with capital felonies eligible for death penalty.
How Utah treats Felony
Utah classifies felonies into first, second, and third degree categories, with first-degree felonies carrying sentences up to life imprisonment or death. Capital felonies (aggravated murder) remain eligible for capital punishment in Utah. Felony convictions restrict voting rights during incarceration and generally prohibit firearm possession.
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 Utah.