Violent Felonies
A violent felony is a severe criminal offense that involves the use or threat of physical force, bodily harm, or violence against another person. These crimes are regarded as the most serious in the criminal justice system due to the harm they inflict and the potential long-term consequences for victims. Violent felonies typically carry heavier penalties than non-violent crimes, including longer prison sentences and substantial fines.
Some common types of violent felonies include:
- Murder or homicide: the unlawful killing of another person.
- Manslaughter: the unintentional killing of another person due to recklessness or negligence.
- Rape or sexual assault: non-consensual sexual acts or attempts thereof.
- Robbery: taking property from another person by force or threat of force.
- Assault and battery: intentionally causing physical harm or threatening to cause harm to another person.
- Kidnapping: forcibly abducting or detaining another person against their will.
- Arson: deliberately setting fire to property with intent to cause harm or destruction.
- Domestic violence: physical, emotional, or psychological abuse within a domestic relationship.
If found guilty of a violent felony, the potential outcomes include long-term imprisonment, probation, mandatory rehabilitation programs, significant fines, and, in some jurisdictions, the death penalty. Furthermore, a convicted felon may face collateral consequences, such as loss of voting rights, restricted access to housing and employment, and difficulty in obtaining professional licenses. The severity of the punishment depends on factors such as the nature of the crime, the defendant’s criminal history, and the impact on the victim.
- Murder (Penal Code Section 187)
- Manslaughter (Penal Code Section 192)
- Assault with a deadly weapon (Penal Code Section 245)
- Robbery (Penal Code Section 211)
- Kidnapping (Penal Code Section 207)
- Domestic violence (Penal Code Section 273.5)
