William R. Hall, P.A.
  • Home
  • Firm Overview
  • Attorney Profile
  • Criminal Defense
  • Personal Injury
  • Testimonials
  • Contact Us
  • Call Today
  • Email Us
  • Our Map
  • Menu
Free Initial Consultation (410) 205-1684
  • Criminal Defense

    Whatever charges you face, I know how the prosecution will approach your case. I can defend your rights at every step.
    +
  • Personal Injury

    Don’t face the insurance company alone. My firm is ready to help you pursue justice and fair financial recovery.
    +
  • Case Evaluation

    You urgently need to find legal answers, and I am ready to discuss your legal rights and options. Contact my firm today!
    +
Blog 2016 May What's the Difference Between a Misdemeanor and a Felony?
Previous Post  |  Next Post

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

Posted By William R. Hall, P.A. || 24-May-2016

If you have ever watched crime show dramas or taken a look at newspaper listings of recent arrests within your community, you have undoubtedly come across the words felony and misdemeanor. Outside of the law enforcement and litigation, no one really talks about the differences between these two crime categories. But surely differences must exist, for sometimes you will see that someone is charged with misdemeanor theft and another felony theft.

To put it into simple terms, a misdemeanor is a crime that carries minor penalties and cannot put someone behind bars for more than a year. On the other hand, a felony is a crime that constitutes severe punishment, including at least one year behind bars, up to life. To think of it a different way, a misdemeanor causes harm that is easily remedied or does not require much money to fix, such as stealing a candy bar or giving someone a bloody nose, but a felony causes extensive and expensive harm, such as stealing a car or breaking someone’s arm.

Not all crimes are set in their ways. Some, called “wobblers,” can be either a felony or a misdemeanor. It all depends on the circumstances of the crime and the arrest. Sometimes a misdemeanor is escalated to a felony based on the intent of the person who committed the crime, and sometimes a felony is dropped to a misdemeanor due to a lack of solid evidence.

There is even a third category below misdemeanor called infractions. An infraction is a violation that can only be penalized by fines, not jail time, and generally causes no immediate or noticeable harm. Getting a parking ticket, for example, is an infraction offense. Infractions will also not appear on a criminal record, but traffic-related infractions will mar a driving record.

If you have more questions about misdemeanors, felonies, and your own criminal charges, you can contact me, Salisbury Criminal Defense Attorney William R. Hall. I would be happy to let you know your rights and legal options during a free initial consultation.

Categories: Criminal Defense, FAQ

Share Post

Contact Us

Request a Free Consultation

What are some reasons to choose my Salisbury defense & injury law firm?

  • Top 1% of Attorneys - voted by National Association of Distinguished Counsel
  • Invited to the National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 Trial Lawyers
  • Former prosecutor with trial-tested insights for your defense
  • Rated a perfect 10.0 "Superb" by Avvo for experience & professionalism
  • Home
  • Site Map
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us
William R. Hall, P.A.

Call Today (410) 205-1684

William R. Hall, P.A. - Salisbury Attorney
100 East Main St, 7th Floor, Salisbury, MD 21801 View Map
Call Today (410) 205-1684
Local (410) 749-1699
Website: https://www.williamrhall.com/
© 2019 All Rights Reserved.

Attorney William R. Hall represents clients in on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, including Ocean City, Salisbury, Princess Anne, Snow Hill, Cambridge, Ocean Pines, Pocomoke City, Crisfield, Berlin, Easton, Assateague Island National Seashore, Talbot County, Dorchester County, Somerset County, Worcester County and Wicomico County.

Internet Marketing Experts The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.