About to be Convicted of a Felony or Misdemeanor? Pike Law Can Help
Crime is categorized and recorded based on seriousness, and two of the most common terms you may deal with if you face a criminal charge are felony and misdemeanor. These two labels cover most criminal charges outside of traffic crimes. It’s important to understand the differences in case you or a loved one are charged with a crime, as they mean very different things for your future court process.
As a leading criminal defense attorney, John B. Pike has represented numerous clients who have been charged with these crimes. We can explain the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor.
What are Felonies and Misdemeanors?
Felonies and misdemeanors are two categories of criminal charges that someone can face and have added to their criminal record if convicted, unlike infractions/traffic violations, which do not create or go on someone’s criminal record.
Both felony and misdemeanor charges refer to the severity of a crime. The difference between a felony and a misdemeanor is that a felony is a far more serious crime than a misdemeanor. Naturally, you will realize that a felony carries more severe punishments and has a more lasting impact on your life.
Felonies
A felony is a serious criminal charge and typically involves violence or harm towards another person, large amounts of property damage, and/or illegal activities such as drug trafficking. There are many different types of felonies one can be charged with. Examples of felonies include:
- Murder
- Rape
- Robbery
- Kidnapping
- Arson
- Burglary
These crimes are considered a threat to public safety and are, therefore, punished more severely. Felony charges can result in imprisonment for a minimum of one year, hefty fines, and even the death penalty in Pennsylvania.
Legislation is being pursued to outlaw the death penalty, though, and there is currently a moratorium on the death penalty. In addition to these consequences, having a felony conviction on one’s record can also have lifelong repercussions. It can limit job opportunities, housing options, and even the right to vote.
Consulting with a skilled felonies and misdemeanors lawyer can help. Our attorney can assess the details of your case, explain your legal rights, and develop a defense strategy. They can also help you prepare for a trial for any type of felony.
Misdemeanors
Conversely, misdemeanors are not as serious as felonies and are often referred to as “lesser crimes,” but they are still criminal charges. If you have a misdemeanor on your record, it will follow you forever whenever you try to apply for jobs, go to school, or if you’re charged with another crime.
Misdemeanors can include:
- Petty theft
- Vandalism
- Disorderly conduct
- Simple assault
While still punishable with years in prison and fines, the penalties for misdemeanors are typically less severe than those for felonies. Think of it as the lesser evil when comparing felonies and misdemeanors.
However, in most states, a misdemeanor conviction can result in a jail sentence of up to one year, community service, or probation, depending on your previous record and the seriousness of the crime.
Felonies Vs. Misdemeanors: The Three Main Differences
The main differences between a felony and a misdemeanor lie in three key areas: the severity of the crime, potential punishments, and the impact on an individual’s life.
#1. Severity of the Crime
As we’ve stated, when it comes to felonies vs. misdemeanors, the former is considered to be more serious. The question is – why?
Felonies often involve violence, long-term harm towards others, or significant financial loss. They leave long-lasting impacts on the victim that can’t potentially be fixed with a fine. Misdemeanors, on the other hand, are considered to be less severe offenses and rarely end with any serious harm falling on the victim.
#2. Potential Punishments
Due to their severity, felonies carry harsher punishments than misdemeanors. This can include more years in prison and higher fines, but the most significant difference is that certain felonies can receive life in prison or even the death penalty. While the death penalty is on a moratorium, its legality status isn’t guaranteed.
Misdemeanors, on the other hand, are typically punished with shorter jail sentences, community service, or probation.
#3. Impact on an Individual’s Life
As mentioned earlier, having a felony conviction on one’s record can have long-lasting consequences. It can limit your job opportunities, housing options, and civil rights.
Misdemeanors can also have negative effects on your life, but they are not as severe as those for felonies. Misdemeanors can cost you jobs and school applications, but felonies can put your ability to vote at risk and more.
#4. Length of Legal Proceedings
Felonies often involve longer and more complex legal proceedings. If the crime is significant enough, they can include grand jury indictments and longer trials. Felony cases commonly last so long because of the damage done to the victim and the greater risk of repeat offenses.
Misdemeanors are usually handled in lower courts with simpler procedures and shorter trials. They rarely include a victim who has incurred great harm.
#5. Statute of Limitations
Felonies generally have longer statutes of limitations. This means the state has more time to bring charges. Some serious felonies, like murder, have no statute of limitations.
Misdemeanors typically have shorter statutes of limitations, often around two years, depending on the specific offense.
#6. Arrest and Bail
Arrests for felonies may involve more stringent bail conditions or even denial of bail, especially for violent crimes.
Bail for misdemeanors is usually more accessible and less expensive, reflecting the lower severity of the crime.
Contact the Criminal Law Attorney at Pike Law
In U.S. criminal law, felonies and misdemeanors are two distinct categories of crimes. They have significant differences in their severity and consequences. While it is important to understand the differences between these two types of charges, it is equally important to remember that every case is unique and should be evaluated by a knowledgeable felonies and misdemeanors lawyer.
We at Pike Law can help protect your rights. We have decades of experience in criminal law. Our law firm uses this experience to provide legal representation for our clients facing felony and misdemeanor charges. If you’re worried about being convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor, contact us as soon as possible.
