{"id":352215,"date":"2023-08-17T18:08:38","date_gmt":"2023-08-17T23:08:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/criminal\/criminal-law-basics\/what-distinguishes-a-misdemeanor-from-a-felony.html"},"modified":"2023-08-17T18:08:38","modified_gmt":"2023-08-17T23:08:38","slug":"what-distinguishes-a-misdemeanor-from-a-felony","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-law-basics\/what-distinguishes-a-misdemeanor-from-a-felony.html","title":{"rendered":"What’s the Difference Between a Misdemeanor and a Felony?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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What's the Difference Between a Misdemeanor vs. Felony?<\/h1>\n
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\n By Olivia Wathne, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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A misdemeanor offense is a less serious crime than a felony offense. A misdemeanor conviction usually involves some jail time, smaller fines, and temporary punishments. A felony offense is the most serious crime you can commit. A felony conviction comes with long prison sentences, fines, and potentially permanent loss of freedom.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

For example, you can be slightly over the blood alcohol limit during a DUI stop and get a misdemeanor. However, aggravating factors, such as a child in the car or a severely high blood alcohol percentage, can increase a misdemeanor charge to a felony charge.<\/p>\r\n

Both misdemeanors and felonies can add certain challenges to your life. So in both cases, it’s wise to consider your defense carefully. You can find a criminal defense lawyer<\/a> who can review your options with you.<\/p>\r\n

Types or Categories of Crimes<\/h2>\r\n

Most state criminal justice systems divide their crimes into different categories depending on the seriousness of the crime. The major categories are almost always determined by the amount of possible jail time. The major categories include:<\/p>\r\n