Serious crimes are called "felonies". These crimes can be violent or non-violent, including the theft or embezzlement of large amounts, assault, murder, rape, kidnapping, drug trafficking, racketeering, and fraud. Generally, a felony is any crime with a punishment greater than two years in prison. Therefore, the punishment defines the seriousness of the offense, not the criminal statute. Even if a state criminal code defines a crime as an "aggravated misdemeanor", the crime is treated as a felony if the punishment exceeds one year of imprisonment for federal purposes.

Defendant is generally required to be present for the entirety of a felony matters. In some states, a grand jury indictment is required for a felony charge.

A felony charge can also affect other charges. In some jurisdictions, an accidental death can be ruled manslaughter or murder if it occurs during the commission of a felony. Conspiracies to commit felonies are generally treated more harshly than other conspiracies.

If a defendant is found guilty, a felony conviction can have serious repercussions for life. Felons not only receive longer sentences, but must suffer worse conditions in prison. Convicted felons are often stripped of their right to serve on juries. They may lose their right to vote. Felons are often barred from some professions, such as law, teaching or the military. Many states bar convicted felons from possessing firearms. And as mentioned, a third felony conviction can lead to a mandatory life sentence.

The seriousness of these crimes and of their punishment makes it vital to have an experienced criminal defense attorney.