Felony in Washington
State-specific overview · Criminal Law
Washington classifies felonies by seriousness level (A, B, or C) with corresponding sentencing ranges, rather than using a simple one-year threshold.
How Washington treats Felony
Washington uses a structured sentencing system that categorizes felonies into three classes based on severity, with Class A felonies being the most serious. The state defines a felony generally as a crime punishable by more than one year in prison, but the classification system determines actual sentencing ranges. Washington's Sentencing Reform Act establishes presumptive sentences for each felony class, and judges have limited discretion to depart from these ranges. Felony convictions trigger collateral consequences including firearm restrictions and professional licensing impacts.
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 Washington.