2007-06-03 20:46:12 · 17 answers · asked by florin a 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
Going to jail or paying a fine.
2007-06-03 20:48:49 · answer #1 · answered by TLWOLFf 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are three classifications of criminal offense: infraction, misdemeanor, and felony. Infraction is the least of the three, and must be witnessed by a law enforcement officer in order to be charged (as where misdemeanors and felonies can be charged with other witnesses, and are also subject to citizen's arrest to detain a subject pending the arrival of law enforcement). Infranction include things like speeding and parking violations, and are generally ticketed on the spot. Misdemeanor is the next step up, and is classified as a crime that is punishable by fine and jail time upto 1 year (in a county jail). Examples of misdemeanor crimes would include petty theft, DUI, and simple assault and battery. Felony crimes are the most serious, and are defined as crimes where the punishment is a fine and more than one year of imprisonment (normally in a state prison) - though some felonies may have sentancing guidelines that allow a judge discretion to impose less than one year. Example of felony crimes would include kidnapping, armed robbery, and murder. There may also be limits in fine amounts connected to the definitions depending on the jurisdiction and state laws.
2016-05-20 23:24:00 · answer #2 · answered by marnie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One you can get up to a year in a county farm, a felony you can go to prison from 1 to life.
One you lose many of your rights, the other you do not.
One you are tried by a judge generally, though in most states if there is a possibility of you losing your freedom, they generally have a jury of 6 people! In the other you are judged by 12 people!
Depends on the crime! Most violent ones are felonies, all those which involve a weapon are felonies!
I left out the fines as they differ, depending on the crime and have little to do with whether it is a felony or misdemeanor usually!
Also, a violation, or a misdemeanor, if committed a 2nd time can become a felony!
2007-06-03 21:19:08 · answer #3 · answered by cantcu 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To understand the difference you need to understand two Latin terms: Mala in se and Mala prohibita. The former is a crime because it's a bad in itself, the latter is bad simply because there's been a law passed against it. Felonies are almost always mala in se crimes; rape, murder, arson, etc. Mala prohibita crimes are mostly misdemeanors: simple assault, petty theft, disorderly conduct. Mala prohibita crimes are also broken down to even lesser crimes that are simply crimes because they're on the books: excessive window tinting, speeding, etc. Those least crimes are called violations. Violations are crimes that are punishible by a monetary fine only; they carry no jail time. Misdemeanors are crimes that are punishible by up to twelve months in jail and up to a $1000 fine. Some misdemeanors are serious enough to result in some rights being taken away from you. Being convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence will make it unable for you to ever legally own or buy a firearm, for example. Felonies are crimes that are punishible by prison time of over one year ( to life and possibly the death penalty) and fines over $1000. As a convicted felon it becomes another felony crime to merely possess a firearm and you also lose your right to vote, among others. I hope I didn't confuse anyone with the long answer.
2007-06-03 21:06:35 · answer #4 · answered by Brian C 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The definition of a misdemeanor is, 'a criminal offense defined as less serious than a felony; an instance of misbehavior; a misdeed'
The definition of a felony is, 'an offense, as murder or burglary, of graver character than those called misdemeanors, esp. those commonly punished in the U.S. by imprisonment for more than a year.'
Example- My uncle was fined and spent the night in jail for pushing his wife. This was only a misdemeanor, seeing as she was not injured but he was still 'in the wrong' and needed to be punished. If he were to say hit her a few times, causing a broken bone or serious damage, it would be a felony. A felony is just a crime more serious than a misdemeanor seeing as misdemeanors can be as low as loitering in a 'no loitering' area such as a gas station.
2007-06-03 20:52:08 · answer #5 · answered by Naomi 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The definition used at the police academy was this:
"A misDemeanor involves Days in jail (up to 364); a felonY involves Years there."
Fines for misdemeanors rarely run more than $1,000.00; fines for felonies can go to.... whatever (more money than you or I will probably ever see).
A felony conviction eliminates your right to vote, right to work in many jobs (it's normally an automatic disqualifier for child care providers, emergency service workers, and other government positions), right to participate in most court proceedings, and much more.
2007-06-03 23:28:02 · answer #6 · answered by Alan P. 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A felony is more serious, and typically involves a year or more in prison. A misdemeanor is not punishable by more than a year in jail (and possibly a fine).
2007-06-03 20:50:31 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Infraction - punishable by fine only
Misdemeanor - punishable by fine and up to 1 year (which would be served in County Jail.)
Felony - punishable by fine and 1 year or more (which would be served a State Prison.)
2007-06-03 20:54:21 · answer #8 · answered by Amy S 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
jail time. felony - most likely for sure, misdemeanor-big fines and community service. probation. get a really good lawyer.
2007-06-03 20:54:48 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Misdeameanor punishable up to one year in county jail
Felony 1 year or more state prison
2007-06-03 20:48:51 · answer #10 · answered by cop350zx 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋