Legal Definitions - convicted felon

A convicted felon is an individual who has been found guilty of a felony offense by a court of law. A felony is a serious crime, typically distinguished from a misdemeanor by its potential punishment, which often includes imprisonment for more than one year, or even death in some jurisdictions. The term "convicted" means that the person has either pleaded guilty to the crime or has been found guilty after a trial by a judge or jury.

• Example 1: After a lengthy trial, a jury found Mr. Davies guilty of armed robbery. The judge subsequently sentenced him to five years in state prison.

  Explanation: Armed robbery is a serious crime classified as a felony in virtually all jurisdictions. Since a jury has formally found Mr. Davies guilty, he is now considered a convicted felon.

• Example 2: Ms. Chen, facing charges of grand theft auto, decided to accept a plea bargain and pleaded guilty to the felony charge.

  Explanation: Grand theft auto, involving the theft of a vehicle, is typically categorized as a felony due to the value of the property involved. By pleading guilty, Ms. Chen has been legally convicted of this felony offense, making her a convicted felon.

• Example 3: A former corporate executive was found guilty by a federal court of multiple counts of wire fraud, a crime that involved defrauding investors of millions of dollars.

  Explanation: Federal wire fraud, particularly when it involves significant financial amounts, is a serious crime classified as a felony. The court's finding of guilt means the executive has been legally convicted of these felony charges, thus making them a convicted felon.