A felony is defined under Massachusetts law as a crime that is punishable by a state prison sentence, up to and including life imprisonment. Unlike a misdemeanor, felony crimes are usually of a more serious nature than misdemeanors.  Examples of felony offenses include:

• Aggravated Assault and Battery: When you try to or cause serious bodily harm or use a weapon; that’s a felony crime. A misdemeanor assault and battery case may be considered a felony if the victim is above 65 years of age, or there have been serious injuries.
• Larceny over $1200.00: Stealing or attempting to defraud someone of their property or money.
• Embezzlement: When an entrusted person fraudulently misappropriates money or assets belonging to someone else for their own use.
• Robbery: Taking property from its owner while armed with a dangerous weapon and causing fear and/or physical harm to the victim.
• Arson: Willfully and maliciously setting fire to a place of residence or a building.
• Burglary: Breaking and entering a residence or building with the intention of committing a felony.
• Drug Possession / Trafficking: Possessing an illicit or prescription drug unlawfully. Depending on the quantity, weight or volume in your possession, you could be charged with Possession with intent to Distribute the drug or Trafficking.

Being convicted of a felony crime can lead to serious consequences up to and including a state prison sentence. You may lose certain constitutional rights and privileges of U.S. citizenship (such as voting), residency benefits (such as subsidized housing vouchers), or immigration relief. Other penalties could include the loss of the right to own a firearm, loss of your job, and, if you have children, loss of custody.

Attorney Melanie Soloman is a criminal defense lawyer who has handled many types of felony cases in Massachusetts.

Contact her today at the Law Office of Melanie Soloman at (508) 808-4944.