How are different crimes classified?
A. There are three distinct categories of crimes: A. Felonies B. Misdemeanors C. Infractions In turn, these categories have differing levels of severity and are subdivided. In general, a felony is a crime that is punishable by a sentence of more than 365 days of incarceration all the way up to death. (Sentences of longer than 365 days are usually served in state prisons while sentences of less than 365 days are usually served in a county jail.) Felonies include crimes such as murder, theft, burglary, serious drug possession and or distribution, rape, robbery assaults and kidnapping. A misdemeanor is generally punishable by less than 365 days in jail, and is almost always served in a county jail. Misdemeanors charges includes minor theft, minor assault, some forms of drug possession, harassment and serious motor vehicle / driving violations. An infraction is usually a “ticket” type of offense where resolution is either paying the fine or appearing in a lower court. Infractions are not r
