Felony

A felony is a crime punishable with death or by imprisonment in state prison. All other crimes or public offenses are misdemeanors except those offenses classified as infractions. Burglary, arson, robbery, rape, murder, and manslaughter are felonies in California and in most states. A felony is more serious than a misdemeanor, which carries a maximum punishment of one year in county jail. Felony convictions usually carry collateral consequences, such as loss of professional license, lifetime firearms ban, loss of employment, and inability to holf office or serve on a jury. In California, certain felonies may be served in the county jail if that sentence is specified in the new sentencing program called the Criminal Justice Realignment Act of 2011.