Summary Description:
Crimes are divided into felonies or misdemeanors, which are then divided into different categories. Each state has its own legal definitions of both felony and misdemeanor crimes. As a result, the punishment for either depends on the severity and the specific state definitions. Felonies are more serious than misdemeanors. Misdemeanor punishments generally include fines, probation or short term jail time. Felony punishments generally include parole and long term jail or prison time. Both involve probation and possible mandatory counseling. Any individual who repeatedly commits the same crime will be punished more severely than a first time offender. Regardless of whether you are charged with a misdemeanor or a felony,
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Some of these range from minor infractions to serious, long term prison charges. Virginia, Maryland and Washington DC all have their own definitions of which violations are considered felonies and which violations are considered misdemeanors.
Felonies are generally more severe crimes than misdemeanors and therefore carry more serious penalties. The charges for both felonies and misdemeanors can include fines, jail time, probation and mandatory counseling, depending on the situation. To learn more about felony or misdemeanor charges in your state, visit one of the links below:
Virginia Felony Laws
Virginia Misdemeanor
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Felony charges can involve severe physical harm or serious property damage. They also include theft and white collars crimes like fraud. Keep in mind that serious misdemeanors can be elevated to a felony status. While punishments for felonies vary from state to state, they are always more severe than misdemeanor charges. Felony offenses generally carry punishments ranging from jail time over one year, long term prison time, parole, probation and mandatory counseling.
What are Repeat Offenses?
A repeat offense of an identical felony or misdemeanor charge will always occur in a more severe penalty. However, this depends on the seriousness of the crime and the length of time between the charges.
What are the Differences Between a Felony and a Misdemeanor?
The severity of the charge is the primary difference between a felony and a misdemeanor. In addition to this, certain crimes are treated more seriously according to the state in which you are charged in. Both felonies and misdemeanors can be committed against different categories, such as property, individuals or the state. Minor felonies and misdemeanors can be as simple as a traffic citation or as complex as homicide charge. Once found guilty, the seriousness of the penalty depends on the severity of the crime. However, penalties can include both fines, jail time, or