What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor

Examples of felony crimes include manslaughter or murder, aggravated assault, kidnapping, and more. Felonies can also involve nonviolent activities that are still considered extremely harmful. These types of felonies can include grand theft, tax evasion, perjury, copyright infringement, and parole or probation violations. Some crimes can be prosecuted as either misdemeanors or felonies.

This is normally determined by the prosecutor and the decision is based on both discretion and aggravating factors, such as whether or not a weapon was used during the crime. Punishments for crimes often include fines and possibly jail sentences. Fines for misdemeanors as well as felonies vary by crime and by state.

Felony charges tend to be much higher, with the most serious felonies resulting in very large monetary fines. Jail sentences vary depending on the crime just as fines do. Depending on the crime, it is possible that no jail sentence is given, and that only probation is required. Jail time for misdemeanors is usually served in a county jail as opposed to a prison. Felonies result in much longer jail sentences and felons generally serve their sentences in state prisons.

People that commit crimes and are convicted or either misdemeanors or felonies after the age of eighteen will receive a permanent mark on their record. Depending on the crime, having a record can affect employment opportunities and many other aspects of life. It is imperative that you hire a defense attorney who is experienced in felony charges and can help defend your innocence.

Misdemeanors are classified from Class A1 to Class 3. While a misdemeanor charge is not quite as serious as a felony charge, there is a still a potential for jail time. It is extremely important that you consult an experienced criminal defense attorney to try and minimize or eliminate any jail time.

The different Classes of felonies, examples of corresponding crimes and possible maximum sentences are listed below:. Below are some common examples of infractions. This is not a comprehensive list, as there are hundreds of infractions that can be committed under North Carolina Law. If you have further questions about a citation for a specific infraction, it is best to consult with a defense attorney. Being charged with any level of crime can be overwhelming.

Contact us today at For your convenience and safety, we offer video and phone conferencing. If you prefer an in-person consultation, we have three easy to reach offices in Uptown Charlotte, Monroe and Mooresville. Please do not include any confidential or sensitive information in a contact form, text message, or voicemail. Both levels of crimes can carry significant penalties.

There are, however, some distinctive features of misdemeanors and felonies that should be noted. Generally speaking, misdemeanors are considered to be crimes that are not as serious as felonies. The fact that misdemeanors are considered to be less serious than felonies is, in turn, reflected in the potential penalties one faces if convicted of such a crime in the State of New York.

Felonies tend to carry longer prison sentences and bigger fines. In New York, misdemeanors are separated into three classes. Class A misdemeanors are considered to be the most serious class. They are punishable by up to one year in jail and up to three years of probation.

One example of a Class A misdemeanor is assault in the 3 rd degree. The next level is Class B misdemeanors which carry a potential penalty of up to 90 days in jail and up to one year probation. One example of a Class B misdemeanor is prostitution. One example of an unclassified misdemeanor is reckless driving.

Unlike misdemeanors, felonies are divided into five separate classes. Class A felonies are considered to be the most serious and those charged with a Class A felony face a potential lifetime prison sentence.