Felonies and misdemeanors: what are the differences?

One of the most important things to know in criminal law is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor. It is important to know the difference for many reasons, but especially because of the severity of the punishment associated with one versus the other.

Not all crimes are the same and we all know that. What differentiates certain crimes from others is the following:

• Severity of the crime
• Punishment if convicted
• Long-term effects of the conviction
• Legal process of prosecution
• Statute of Limitations

People make mistakes and no one is perfect, but staying on the right side of the law is always in your best interest.

If you get into trouble with the law, however, you need representation from an attorney who can advocate for you. They will guide you through the process and explain how the law works.

Simple words, big difference

However, even before that, it is crucial to have a basic understanding of certain concepts. Felonies are much more serious than misdemeanors, for example, and they often result in harsher penalties, while misdemeanors are less serious offenses with less severe consequences.

Examples of felonies include:

• Murder
• Robbery
• Burglary
• Drug trafficking

Examples of misdemeanors include:

• Shoplifting
• Vandalism
• Trespassing
• Disorderly conduct

Reading through the list gives you a clear picture of the differences between the two. Given that they are so different, felonies and misdemeanors differ in many other ways, like, for example, the legal proceedings and the long-term effects of a conviction.

You deserve advocacy

In a perfect world, no one would commit crimes. However, good people who need legal assistance commit millions of crimes every day in the United States.

Understanding the law, whether you should fight your charges, whether you have defenses and what rights you have are all critical and important for you to know.

For information specific to a crime, an attorney with criminal law experience can assist you further and ensure you understand the entire picture.