Most common felony crimes

What are the most common felonies committed in the US? What are common punishments for these felonies? A list of the 20 most common felonies in the US.

Felonies are serious crimes - if you are facing a felony or know somebody who is you should definitely seek professional legal help. A felony charge can stay with you for the rest of your life - it can keep you from getting a job, establishing a credit, result in jail or prison and, if the felony is serious enough, even cost you your life.

If you do have a criminal history you should look into having it expunged. When a felony or misdemeanor is expunged it is like it never happened - it is erased. Not all convictions can be expunged (and different states have different rules when it comes to expungement).

(1) Drug abuse violations 1,841,182
(2) Driving while Intoxicated 1,427,494 (aka Felony DUI)
(3) Property crime 1,610,088 (includes burglary, larceny, theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson.)
(4) Larceny-theft 1,172,762
(5) Assault 1,305,693
(6) Disorderly conduct 709,105
(7) Liquor laws 633,654
(8) Violent crime 597,447 (including murder, non-negligent manslaughter, forcible rape, robbery, aggravated assault.
(9) Drunkenness 589,402
(10) Aggravated assault 433,945

(11) Burglary 303,853
(12) Vandalism 291,575
(13) Fraud 252,873
(14) Weapons violations (carrying or possession) 188,891
(15) Curfew and loitering 143,002
(16) Robbery 126,715
(17) Offenses against family and children 122,812
(18) Stolen property (buying, receiving, possession) 122,061
(19) Motor vehicle theft 118,231
(20) Forgery and counterfeiting 103,448

The Uniform Crime Reports collects data on crimes and arrests reported by law enforcement authorities to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Not all law enforcement agencies provide information, so some figures are estimated by the F.B.I. According to the U. C. R., in 2007 aggravated assault accounted for 60.8% of all violent crimes committed in the U.S. Robbery comprised 31.6%; forcible rape, 6.4%, murder, 1.2%. In 2007, every 466.9 persons per 100,000 were victims of a violent crime. Overall, violent crime went down 0.7% from the previous year.

Felony crimes are serious crimes that include burglary and murder. Class 1 is the most serious classification, which can result in a minimum life sentence in prison, and a maximum penalty of death. Class 2 felonies can result in life imprisonment, or a minimum of 20 years imprisonment. Class 3 felonies can result in imprisonment of 5-20 years. Class 4 felonies can result in imprisonment of 2-10 years. Class 5 felonies can result in imprisonment of up to 1-10 years in prison, or jail of up to 12 months. A Class 6 felony can result in a minimum prison sentence of one year. Minimum sentences are part of the U.S. Penal code, but each state can impose additional imprisonment, fines or both. (Cornell School of Law)

Also, felons lose many of their civil rights. The right to run for government office, join the military, and vote can be taken away. Felons may lose their drivers licenses through suspension or revocation. Prospective employers have the right to inquire about any felony convictions, and can even require insurance coverage in the way of a surety bond provided by the employee. Many insurance companies will not insure convicted felons, making it difficult for convicted felons to find work.

According to Crime in the U.S., and the U.S. Department of Justice, the top 20 crimes in order are:

Sources:
The Uniform Crime Report
Cornell School of Law
Crime in the U.S., and the U.S. Department of Justice