What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?
A Misdemeanor charge is generally considered to be less serious than a Felony; however, convictions for crimes involving theft, DUI, or sexual behavior can have long-lasting ramifications that may affect both your record and employment. Misdemeanor cases are handled in the County Court System (be it Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, or other Florida counties) and punishment may include an adjudication of guilt, a fine, incarceration in the county jail, and supervised probation. A Felony charge is considered more serious than a Misdemeanor and is ranked in increasing range of severity from Third to First Degree. Felony crimes are handled in Circuit Criminal Court and punishment can include an adjudication of guilt, significant terms of supervised probation or house arrest, lengthy terms of incarceration in Florida State Prison, and significant fines.
A misdemeanor charge is generally considered to be less serious than a felony, however, convictions for crimes involving theft, DUI, or sexual behavior can have long lasting ramifications that may affect both your record and employment. Misdemeanor cases are handled in the County Court System and punishment may include an adjudication of guilt, a fine, incarceration in the County Jail and supervised probation. A felony charge is considered more serious than a misdemeanor and is ranked in increasing range of severity from Third to First Degree. Felony crimes are handled in Circuit Criminal Court and punishment can include an adjudication of guilt, significant terms of supervised probation or house arrest, lengthy terms of incarceration in State Prison and significant fines.
