What is The Difference Between a Felony and a Misdemeanor in California?

Whether you are facing felony or misdemeanor charges, having a highly experienced legal team can make all the difference in protecting your freedom.

Whether you are facing felony or misdemeanor charges, having a highly experienced legal team can make all the difference in protecting your freedom. Our lawyers have handled more than 50 murder trials and more than 200 jury trials. Let us put this extensive trial skill to work on your behalf.

A crime can either be classified as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on how serious the offense is. Misdemeanors are less serious than felonies and carry lighter penalties. Typically, such penalties may include less than a year in jail, community service, fines, rehabilitation and/or probation. Felonies, on the other hand, come with at least a year (and sometimes decades or even a lifetime) in prison.

Legal procedures also differ between felonies and misdemeanors. With a misdemeanor, you will appear before the judge, but you won’t face a jury. With a felony, you will have to appear at an indictment or preliminary trial, and then potentially face a jury trial.

What Are Some Common Misdemeanors?

A few common misdemeanors in Florida include:

  • Driving under the influence (DUI)
  • Shoplifting
  • Domestic violence
  • Possessing less than 20 grams of marijuana
  • Vandalism

What Are Some Common Felonies?

A few common felonies in Florida include:

  • Murder or homicide
  • Sexual battery
  • Kidnapping
  • Carjacking
  • Robbery
  • Embezzlement

No Matter The Charge, You Need An Attorney

Regardless of whether you are facing felony or misdemeanor charges, it’s in your best interests to retain a skilled defense lawyer. You may be in danger of losing your freedom, reputation, money, job opportunities and much more.

Call us at anytime for free consultation: (818) 855-2115

Call Los Angeles Criminal Defenders’ Law Office to talk to an experienced Attorney right away. Call the number (818) 855-2115 or contact us through the form bellow (mobile version viewers) or on the side (desktop version viewers). The initial consultation is free.