What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor?
A. A misdemeanor offense is charged for a relatively minor crime, while more serious crimes are felonies. The difference between the two is often noted in the punishment given. Punishment for a felony carries more than a year imprisonment in a penitentiary, while those convicted of a misdemeanor often serve a year or less confinement, but not in a prison. Conviction of either a felony or misdemeanor may also carry fines or probation.
A misdemeanor offense is charged for a relatively minor crime while more serious crimes are felonies. The difference between the two is often noted in the punishment given. Punishment for a felony carries more than a year imprisonment in a penitentiary, while those convicted of a misdemeanor often serve a year or less confinement, but not in a prison. Conviction of either a felony or misdemeanor may also carry fines or probation.
A felony is a more serious crime than a misdemeanor. Felonies are punishable by one or more years in prison, however in most cases, that period of incarceration may be suspended. A misdemeanor, on the other hand is punishable by up to one year in prison, which again may be suspended. Some employers and colleges may inquire about a person’s criminal record, or may inquire as to whether or not a person has any felony convictions only. Prosecutors have flexibility in charging a person with a crime. You can be arrested for a felony, and your attorney may be successful in plea bargaining the charge down to a misdemeanor.
