What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor?

What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor?

Criminal offenses can be divided into two general categories:

  • ­felonies -- a crime for which a person can be imprisoned for more than a year; and
  • misdemeanors -- an offense for which a person can be imprisoned for up to a year

The criminal process regarding misdemeanors may differ dramatically from the criminal process as it applies to felonies. The defendant charged with a felony is entitled to greater protections and as such the procedure in regard to a felony case may be considerably more prolonged than that involving a misdemeanor. It is not at all unusual that for a misdemeanor charge the defendant simply appears in court on one occasion, and after being advised of his or her right to have an attorney, the case is tried on that one occasion. A felony charge may result, however, in several court appearances, first a hearing in regard to the setting of bond, then an arraignment, then a preliminary hearing, then an appearance for the setting of a trial date, then the appearance for any pretrial motions, and then, finally the appearance for trial.

Ask an Attorney

Feel free to ask a legal questions that you would like answered. Your question will go directly and only to Deskin Law Firm, a professional law corporation. Deskin Law Firm will contact you directly to discuss your situation, usually via telephone, so please provide multiple ways to reach you via phone. Your situation will be kept confidential. There is no cost to discuss your situation and no attorney-client relationship is created by simply filling out the form and sending it.

Please type your first and last name.

Please type your area code and phone number.

To most effectively be able to reach you, please type another phone number where we may be able to reach you.

Please type the city and state (and country if outside the USA) that you live in.

Please type your email address and check it to make sure it is correct.

CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.
3 + 2 =
Solve this simple math problem and enter the result. E.g. for 1+3, enter 4.
Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement