Felony Vs. Misdemeanor
Whether it is a felony or a misdemeanor, any criminal charge is a serious one. However, it could be said that a felony leads to more serious legal consequences than a misdemeanor. That said, ignoring any charge is a mistake and one that will follow you.
At Whiteaker & Wilson, PC d/b/a Law Office of Stuart P. Huffman, our attorneys have the experience and skill to defend you against any criminal charge. They have successfully represented people facing the most serious felonies, the lowest level of misdemeanor Missouri has to offer and everything in between. They know the law well and can help you by answering your questions and educating you on the law.
What is the major difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?
In general, the most impactful and commonly defined difference between a misdemeanor and a felony comes down to potential jail time. If the sentence is longer than one year, then it is a felony; if it’s less, then it is a misdemeanor.
This can lead to people being incarcerated for nonviolent felonies for longer than some violent misdemeanors. For example, a felony drug charge may leave a person in prison for five years, whereas a fourth-degree assault for recklessly injuring someone is only 15 days of jail time.
Can a misdemeanor become a felony?
The answer is both yes and no. On its own, a misdemeanor is not a felony. However, in the presence of extenuating circumstances, such as an individual using a deadly weapon or being considered a habitual offender, then the charge may be enhanced.
Are the classifications fair?
The fairness of a misdemeanor or felony isn’t really something any lawyer could answer for you. Certainly, circumstances for you and your situation may not be fair, but the laws do not generally recognize fairness in that way.
However, our attorneys are people the same as you, and they can recognize when the justice system isn’t behaving fairly to you. That’s why our lawyers work so diligently in criminal defense. To learn more about your charges, contact our office today at 417-413-5858or send us an email.