Criminal law divides crimes into two main categories: felony and misdemeanor. Because state legislatures
and Congress define what constitutes a felony and a misdemeanor, crimes that fit into each category may differ somewhat from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Felonies are reserved for more serious crimes. They deliver a more serious punishment. Misdemeanors are lesser crimes with lesser punishments. Andrew E. Bender, your voice in a felony.
The Differences Between a Felony and a Misdemeanor
The main difference between a felony and a misdemeanor is the severity of the crime. What is a severe crime will vary from society to society and, sometimes, from state to state.
Felonies and misdemeanors are committed against people, property, or the state. Once again, though, the difference is the severity of the crime. Here an example, a person speeding down the highway is considered a misdemeanor, but a person running another person over with your automobile on purpose is considered a felony.
The punishments given to a person for a felony and misdemeanor differ greatly. Felonies involve prison sentences of at least one year, fines, or a combination of both. Misdemeanors involve prison sentences of less than a year, smaller fines, or a combination of both.
Examples of Felonies
Assault: Although not always classified as a felony, assault, if severe enough, can warrant a felony charge. Assault happens when a person threatens physical violence, causing fear or harm. Usually, assault occurs with the use of a weapon, such as a gun or a knife.
Battery: Battery, which usually is accompanied by assault, occurs when someone causes another person physical harm, usually with the use of a weapon or fists.
Arson: Arson is when someone intentionally sets fire to a building or, in some instances, a natural area, such as a forest.
Rape: Rape is the act of engaging someone in non-consensual sex.
Murder: Murder, also known as a homicide, is when one person kills another person.
Felony Legal Help
Accused of or arrested for a felony, get legal representation, either to help prove your innocence or negotiate a lesser charge or sentence.
You are charged with felony possession, which is when someone possesses a certain amount of an illegal substance, such as cocaine or marijuana. You need to get the best criminal lawyers you can afford. Why? Because sentencing for felony possession can entail multiple years in prison.
Some states subdivide felonies into groupings often called degrees. The lower the degree, the more severe the crime. For example, first-degree murder, which is a murder that is premeditated, is considered more severe than second-degree murder, which is not premeditated.