Felony vs. Misdemeanor
The two main categories of crime in the United States are felony and misdemeanor, which differ from each other in a number of ways, most notably in their severity. The consequences you face after being charged with a felony differ significantly from those you face after being charged with a misdemeanor, and as an American citizen, you should be familiar with both and aware of the ramifications they can have on your future.
Misdemeanor Offenses
The misdemeanor is a category for “lesser” crimes. Most misdemeanors are punished only by a fine, with some requiring probation and very few requiring serious jail time. In the US, misdemeanors are generally defined as crimes the punishment of which is no more than a year in jail. Examples of such crimes include:
- Petty theft
- Prostitution
- Simple assault
- Disorderly conduct and public drunkenness
- Vandalism
- Trespassing
- DUI
Depending on the jurisdiction, misdemeanors can be further divided into classes based on the severity of the crime. While incarceration is rare, misdemeanor convictions may strip you of certain civil liberties, such as your driver’s license and certain educational and professional opportunities.
Felony Offenses
Felonies are more serious than misdemeanors. In general, they are punishable by prison time and fines. It is not uncommon for felonies to be violent in nature, although some non-violent but egregious crimes are also classed as felonies. Some of the most common felony crimes are:
- Aggravated assault and battery
- Burglary and grand theft
- Drug trafficking
- Aggravated assault
- Murder
- Rape
Because of the severity of felony crimes, the punishment of these is much more severe than for misdemeanors.
Contact Us
Regardless of whether you’ve been charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, a criminal lawyer is crucial to your legal defense. To speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney, contact the Boca Raton criminal attorneys of Eric N. Klein & Associates, P.A., by calling 561-353-2800 today.
