Felony

Any crime which includes a penalty of possible incarceration which is greater than one year.  Felonies will be tried in Circuit Court; however, if there is a preliminary hearing that will be held in Magistrate Court.

Examples of felonies would include:

• Murder

• Arson

• Robbery

• Burglary

• Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance

• Most Sexual Offenses

Felonies often carry a penalty that also includes a possible fine.  Imposition of the prison sentence is always a possibility, so courts are reluctant to proceed with an individual without counsel.  

Felony convictions also result in what are often referred to as “collateral consequences.”  During the pendency of a felony sentence, a convicted felon loses the right to vote and sit on a jury, among other rights.  Moreover, upon conviction of a felony, you will permanently lose your Second Amendment right to own and bear arms.