A crime is an offence against a public law. This word, in its most general sense, includes all offences, but in its more limited sense is confined to felony. The term offence may be considered as having the same meaning, but is usually understood to be a crime not indictable but punishable, summarily or by the forfeiture of a penalty. A felony is a serious crime punishable by at least one year in prison.
People convicted of felonies lose certain rights, such as the right to vote or hold public office.
During the term of sentence, the convicted person may also be prohibited from making contracts, marrying, suing or keeping certain professional licenses. Upon release from prison, the convict may also be required to register with the police. Often a crime which is a misdemeanor for the first offense becomes a felony for repeated offenses. All crimes that are not felonies are misdemeanors. Crimes are defined and punished by statutes and by the common law.