What is the minimum sentence for a felony conviction?

The minimum sentence for a felony conviction is defined as a punishment that exceeds one year of incarceration. In many jurisdictions, felonies are more serious offenses compared to misdemeanors, leading to harsher penalties. Typically, a felony is punishable by imprisonment for more than one year, which can include varying lengths of incarceration depending on the specifics of the crime, any prior convictions, and state laws.

This understanding is crucial for grasping the legal framework around sentencing. While some inferior sentences exist, such as probation or lesser incarceration periods, those often pertain to misdemeanors or specific circumstances related to the offense or offender's background. Life imprisonment, while a potential sentence for severe felonies, is not a minimum sentence but rather an maximum sentence for certain offenses. Consequently, recognizing that felony sentences generally start from over one year helps reinforce the seriousness of such charges in the criminal justice system.