On a personal level, this plea comes from a deep and lasting concern for the well-being of humanity. The gravity of certain crimes undermines our collective safety and security. In our current legal system, some serious offenses are not categorized as felonies, diminishing their perceived severity and failing to sufficiently deter potential offenders.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, in 2019 alone, over 1.2 million violent crimes were reported, many of which were not classified as felonies. This incongruence poses a serious question about how our legal system treats crimes that egregiously violate human rights and dignity.

The intent behind this petition is not to promote harsh punishment indiscriminately, but to ensure that the seriousness of certain offenses is recognized within our legal framework. Classification matters, as felonies carry larger penalties, more significant fines, and a potentially stronger deterrent effect.

By improving how we respond to serious crimes, we add a measure of protection to our society and send a clear message that severe offences will be treated with the gravity they deserve. For the sake of our societal well-being and justice, let us push for changes in how serious crimes are classified. Please sign this petition to urge our lawmakers to upgrade serious crimes to felony status.