1. What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor?
Answer:
Felony: Serious crime that has punishment of over than one year in prison or death (e.g. Murder, robbery).
Misdemeanor: Less serious offense punishable by jail time up to one year or fines (e.g. petty theft, simple assault).
2. Can a misdemeanor become a felony?
Answer:
Yes, there are crimes that can be classified as misdemeanors or felonies depending on whether it is a “wobbler” – that is, depending on the severity of the crime or the criminal history of the defendant. For instance, theft may become a felony if the value stolen exceeds a certain amount.
3. Are all felonies sentenced to prison?
Answer:
Not always. The nature of the crime, mitigating circumstances, and state laws all determine sentencing. First-time offenders or plea deals may result in probation or reduced sentences.
Read Also:
- https://quantumlawsolutions.com/10-common-questions-about-criminal-defense-answered/
- https://quantumlawsolutions.com/20-questions-about-criminal-justice-you-should-know/
- https://quantumlawsolutions.com/5-key-questions-about-criminal-trials-and-their-procedures/
4. Can a misdemeanor conviction affect my future?
Answer:
Yes, although misdemeanors are less severe than felonies, they can still affect employment, housing, and professional licensing. Some misdemeanors, such as DUIs, have additional consequences like license suspension.
5. Can felonies be reduced to misdemeanors?
Answer:
Yes, in some instances. Relief after conviction in the form of expungement or reclassification may allow a felony to be reduced to a misdemeanor in the cases of non-criminal offenses or under “wobbler” laws.
6. How are felony and misdemeanor convictions used to strip citizens of their voting rights?
Answer:
In most places, felony convictions revoke voting rights temporarily or permanently, whereas misdemeanor convictions rarely affect voting eligibility.
7. Do felonies and misdemeanors stay on my record forever?
Answer:
While convictions typically appear on your record unless expunged or sealed, misdemeanors are easier to get removed than felonies, but they vary by place.