What is a Felony in Massachusetts?

By definition a Felony in Massachusetts is a charge that carries a potential penalty of incarceration in a State Prison, as opposed to just Jail, which is often referred to as a House of Correction sentence.  Please note that a crime remaining at the district court level DOES NOT mean that it is only a misdemeanor.  Many people may believe that a case has to have been “bumped” to superior court to be a felony.  That is not necessarily the case.

Let us use larceny as an exception to the rule.  In Massachusetts, a larceny over $250 is considered a felony.  You would think that this automatically carries a five year sentence.  However, more often than not the jurisdiction is confined to district court.  In that particular case the maximum sentence diminishes to two and a half years.

A felony committed anywhere in the Commonwealth can be a very complicated matter.  You need a strong, experienced Boston felony defense attorney to sort it out for you.  That man is attorney Paul R. Moraski.  He has been defending clients against felony and other criminal charges for many years.  Call him today to discuss your case at (978) 744-1200.