Misdemeanor vs Felony Criminal Charges - Explained
What's the Difference between a Misdemeanor and a Felony?
Written by J. Mance Gordon
Updated at April 21st, 2024
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What are the classifications of criminal conduct - Misdemeanor and Felony?
Criminal conduct is generally classified by the level of severity and the potential punishment for breaking the law. The two primary classifications of crimes are as follows:
- Misdemeanor - A misdemeanor is a crime of lesser significance that is punishable by a fine or a joint sentence of less than one year.
- Felonies - Felonies are more serious crimes that are punishable by fine or imprisonment in a penitentiary for a period of one year or more.
Historically, the common law identified treason as a class of serious offenses that was separate from a felony.
Also, today, many jurisdictions identify a less severe form of a criminal act, known as an infraction.
The infraction is generally a minor violation of an ordinance or regulation.
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