Legal Definitions - major crime

A major crime refers to a serious criminal offense, often used interchangeably with the legal term felony. These crimes are distinguished by their severe nature and the significant penalties they carry, which typically include imprisonment for more than one year, substantial fines, or in some jurisdictions, even the death penalty. Conviction for a major crime can also lead to the loss of certain civil rights, such as the right to vote or possess firearms.

Here are some examples illustrating what constitutes a major crime:

• Example 1: A person breaks into a jewelry store after hours, disables the alarm system, and steals several display cases worth of diamonds and watches. During the escape, they intentionally ram a police car that attempts to block their getaway.

  Explanation: This scenario involves multiple serious offenses, including burglary (breaking and entering with intent to commit a crime), grand theft (theft of high-value property), and potentially assault with a deadly weapon (using the car as a weapon against law enforcement). The significant financial loss, the planning involved, and the direct confrontation with police elevate these actions beyond minor offenses, classifying them as major crimes with severe potential prison sentences.

• Example 2: A corporate executive is found to have systematically embezzled millions of dollars from their company over several years by creating fake invoices and diverting funds to personal accounts.

  Explanation: Embezzlement, especially involving such a large sum of money and a pattern of deception, is considered a major financial crime. The scale of the fraud, the breach of trust, and the significant economic harm to the company and its shareholders warrant substantial penalties, including lengthy prison terms and restitution, fitting the definition of a major crime.

• Example 3: An individual is apprehended at an international border attempting to smuggle a large quantity of fentanyl into the country, intending to distribute it to various dealers.

  Explanation: Drug trafficking, particularly involving highly dangerous substances like fentanyl and crossing international borders, is a major crime due to its severe societal impact, potential for widespread harm, and the organized nature often associated with such activities. Such offenses typically carry mandatory minimum sentences that involve many years in federal prison.