What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor?
A felony is a major crime that may be punished with a minimum sentence of one-year in jail and a maximum of life imprisonment or the death penalty, depending on the severity of the crime committed. A misdemeanor is a less serious crime that is punishable by confinement in the city jail for no more that one-year, a fine of not more than $2,500, or both. Felony cases may require multiple court appearances whereas misdemeanor cases generally require a single appearance in court.
. A misdemeanor charge is less severe than a felony charge. A misdemeanor carries a potential fine of up to $2500 and a potential period of incarceration of up to 12 months in jail. A felony charge carries far greater fines and can include a potential punishment of up to life in prison. Further, a felony conviction will cause you to lose many of your rights, such as the right to vote and the right to possess a firearm. Further, if you are convicted of a felony, you carry the stigma of being a convicted felon. Therefore, if you are charged with either a misdemeanor or a felony, it is important that you obtain quality legal representation TODAY! Call Arrington Law Office, PLC at 1-877-935-2008 today.
In New York almost all criminal offenses are statutory. These two terms are used to differentiate and distinguish between a high crime known as a felony, and a minor offense known as a misdemeanor. New York defines a felony as an offense for which a sentence to a term of imprisonment in excess of one year may be imposed. A misdemeanor is defined as an offense, other than a “traffic infraction, ” for which a sentence to a term of imprisonment in excess of fifteen days may be imposed, but for which a sentence to a term of imprisonment in excess of one year cannot be imposed.
