What is the Difference Between a Misdemeanor and a Felony Charge in Virginia?
Crimes are divided into two categories, based on the seriousness of the crime: misdemeanor and felony. In general, a misdemeanor is a crime where the maximum penalty is one year or less. A felony crime is a more serious crime that can result in jail time for much more than one year. Felony charges can also bring a number of other consequences if the defendant is convicted. In some circumstances, a crime can be considered a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the specifics of the case. For instance, theft can be either petit larceny (a misdemeanor) or grand larceny (a felony). The only element which separates the two offenses is the amount alleged to have been stolen. If the amount is $200 or more, the offense is a felony, if the amount is less than $200 then the offense is a misdemeanor. A skilled defense attorney can improve your chance that your crime will either be charged or reduced to a lesser offense. What is a Summons and Why Did I Have to Sign It? In a misdemeanor case, the o
