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Criminal acts in the US are categorized as misdemeanors or felonies, with the latter being punishable by over a year of imprisonment. Aggravating circumstances can lead to felony charges, while aiding and abetting usually results in a lesser charge. Convictions can result in prison sentences and loss of civil rights.
In the United States, a criminal act can usually be grouped into one of two legal categories: misdemeanor or felony. A criminal offense is punishable by more than one year of imprisonment. A capital crime is the most serious designation. Examples of criminal offenses include aggravated manslaughter, arson resulting in injury or death, some kidnapping charges, and aggravated sexual assault. Thefts that exceed $200,000 US dollars (USD) and drug trafficking offenses can also be classified as a 1 criminal offense.
Aggravated manslaughter committed against a person under the age of 18, an elderly or disabled individual, or a public employee, such as a member of law enforcement, a paramedic, or a firefighter, is a felony 1 . Unlike capital murder, which is generally a premeditated act of violence, this is usually caused by the negligent act of another, with willful disregard of the law. However, not all manslaughter charges result in a felony charge 1.
Arson, the act of intentionally setting fire to a structure, can sometimes be classified as a misdemeanor 1 misdemeanor. If serious injury or death results from the fact, or in cases where the perpetrator, at the time of the fire, is aware that a building is occupied, the arsonist can be charged with the most serious crime. Some cases of arson, however, are charged in lesser degrees, known as misdemeanors.
Kidnapping is the act of unlawfully detaining someone or secretly taking an individual by force. Aggravating circumstances combined with kidnapping charges, such as when a kidnapped child is under the age of 13, usually constitute a felony 1 misdemeanor. False imprisonment combined with sexual offenses can also fall into this category, regardless of the age of the victim.
Aiding and abetting a person in committing an illegal act is also a crime. However, the person who physically committed the offense is usually the only one who can be charged with the crime 1. The principals, or accessories, are often convicted of a lesser charge. For example, the driver of a getaway car in an armed robbery would most likely be charged with felony 2.
A conviction for one felony 1 can result in up to 30 years in prison. If additional counts are associated with the original crime, the prison sentence can be much longer. Certain aggravating circumstances can increase the sentence up to a lifetime of imprisonment. Additionally, fines of up to $10,000 USD may be assessed.
A person who has been convicted of a criminal offense is called a criminal. As such, the individual loses many of his civil rights, even after the sentence has been served. Usually the right to vote, to own a weapon or to obtain a visa is revoked. Furthermore, he would no longer be eligible to serve on a jury or run for public office. A convicted felon retains this designation unless his rights are restored by court order.
