Misdemeanors and felonies are two classes of criminal charges that involve different types of crimes and associated punishments. The criminal law attorneys of MacVean, Lewis, Sherwin & McDermott, P.C., in Middletown, New York, have been serving clients throughout the Hudson Valley region since 1885. Below, they discuss some key differences between a misdemeanor and a felony.

Misdemeanors

In general, misdemeanors are less serious crimes than felonies. Given the lighter nature of the offense, court hearings and trials are frequently much shorter than felony trials. Punishments for misdemeanors can range from fines to jail time. Jail time for a misdemeanor is usually relatively brief — a year or less — and is served in a local jail as opposed to a state or federal correctional facility. Depending on jurisdiction, common types of misdemeanors might include a first-time DWI, petty theft, prostitution, simple assault and vandalism.

Felonies

Felony charges are reserved for more serious criminal offenses. Within the framework of the felony classification system, there are different degrees of offenses; a first-degree offense, for example, is more serious than a second-degree offense. Penalties for criminal convictions often involve serving prison time in correctional facilities. Prison terms will usually range from one year to life imprisonment. In some states, a felony murder charge could result in a death sentence. Examples of felonies can include aggravated assault and/or battery, embezzlement, kidnapping, murder, and rape or sexual assault.

Both felonies and misdemeanors can have a serious impact on your life and future, so let a skilled criminal law attorney help you navigate the justice system. If you are facing felony or misdemeanor charges, trust the criminal law attorneys at MacVean, Lewis, Sherwin & McDermott, P.C. Call (845) 343-3000, visit their website, or contact them via their Facebook or Google+ pages to schedule a consultation. They also offer representation for DWI law, commercial litigation, and personal injury cases.