What's the Difference Between a Felony and a Misdemeanor?

What's the Difference?

While being charged with any crime is serious, knowing whether you've been charged with a misdemeanor or a felony can tell you a lot about what to expect. At it's most basic level, the key difference between a felony or a misdemeanor is the amount of time you could potential serve in jail or prison. A misdemeanor is a charge that carries a maximum time of 1 year imprisonment. A felony is a charge that carries more a maximum time of imprisonment greater than one year. Felonies will include prison time as a potential punishment, and are used for more serious crimes, while misdemeanors are used for less serious crimes and usually involve jail time. Felonies also frequently involve the loss of other rights, such as the right to own a firearm. For more elaboration on what rights can be lost with a felony conviction, see our upcoming article "Felony Convictions and Your Rights."

Classes of Charges

In Missouri, both Misdemeanors and felonies are broken into classes. There are A, B, C, D, and E Misdemeanors, and A, B, C, D, and E Felonies, each carrying different potential fines and periods of imprisonment. For more information on what the potential penalties are of each of these charges, see our upcoming article "What are the Punishments for Felonies and Misdemeanors?"

Crimes charged as felonies include armed robbery, murder, and certain drug offenses, such as trafficking. At least in Missouri, charges like a first-time DWI, simple assault, and petty theft are charged as as misdemeanors. Most state traffic tickets, like speeding, are also charged as misdemeanors.

What to Do If You’re Charged

If you are charged with any crime, whether it's a misdemeanor or criminal charge, don't wait. Call our office today to schedule a free consultation. Every charge is serious, and it is important that you get help to address your charges. Call Bearden Law today at 816-787-1979 or email us at Email@Bearden.Law today for help!