The Difference Between Misdemeanor and a Felony

What is a Crime?

A crime is an unlawful act that can be prosecuted by a state or other authority and is punishable by either time in jail, prison or in the form of suspended time, which is called probation. Which is when you need a criminal defense attorney

What is a Misdemeanor?

Misdemeanors are not as severe as felony charges, but they carry more weight than infractions—also known as petty offenses and violations. If you get convicted of a misdemeanor, you could face up to a year in prison. These offenses get categorized as either “petty misdemeanors” like pushing someone during an argument, or “misdemeanors” like domestic violence or trespassing on private property. Other examples of misdemeanor crimes include possession and sale of drugs and related paraphernalia, possession of an unregistered firearm, DUI, and shoplifting, (often avoided with a shoplifting diversion program.)

What is a Felony?

Felonies are the most severe type of criminal acts and include armed robbery, kidnapping, sexual exploitation of minors, sex crimes, aggravated battery, drug trafficking, arson, burglary, rape, involuntary manslaughter, and murder.

A felony conviction comes with a year or more to life in federal prison and thousands in fines, depending on the felony type.

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