Understanding The Types Of Felonies And Felony Examples

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When someone is caught committing a crime, they can be charged with either a misdemeanour or a felony, depending on its severity. A felony is considered a much more severe crime than a misdemeanour and typically carries a longer jail sentence and higher penalties.

Typically, nonviolent crimes such as shoplifting are considered misdemeanours, while more serious crimes such as armed robbery or murder are felony examples. However, there are many things considered when determining how to charge someone with a crime.

In The United States, it is up to the individual states to classify and define most crimes and their punishments. Many states classify felonies and misdemeanours in classes or by some other means.

Punishment is then determined based on which class the crime committed falls under. Because states can classify and define crimes, classification can vary drastically between states.

A crime that might be considered a misdemeanour in one state could be a felony in another. Differences between states are especially apparent when it comes to issues such as drug laws.
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What Are Misdemeanors?
While particular laws vary by state, misdemeanours generally include nonviolent crimes. In many cases, misdemeanours do not lead to extended amounts of jail time. Misdemeanours can include vandalism, certain types of drug possession, simple assault, and disorderly conduct, among others.

What Are Felonies?
Crimes classified as felonies tend to involve physical violence or some type of action that can cause extreme harm psychologically. Examples of felony crimes include manslaughter or murder, aggravated assault, kidnapping, and more.

Felonies can also involve nonviolent activities that are still considered highly harmful. These felonies can include grand theft, tax evasion, perjury, copyright infringement, and parole or probation violations.

Some crimes can be prosecuted as either misdemeanours or felonies. The prosecutor usually determines this, and the decision is based on both discretion and aggravating factors, such as whether or not a weapon was used during the crime.

Punishments for Misdemeanors & Felonies
Punishments for crimes often include fines and possible jail sentences. Penalties for misdemeanours as well as felonies vary by corruption and by state. Felony charges tend to be much higher, with the most severe felonies resulting in substantial monetary fines.

Jail sentences vary depending on the crime, just as fines do. Depending on the offence, it is possible that no jail sentence is given and that only probation is required. Jail time for misdemeanours is usually served in county jail as opposed to a prison.

Felonies result in much longer jail sentences, and felons generally serve their sentences in state prisons.
Are Traffic Violations Crimes?

In addition to the possibility of being sentenced to jail time on felony charges, people convicted of felony crimes lose many of their civil rights, such as:

● The right to vote
● The right to run for office
● The right to serve in the military
● Drivers license may be revoked or suspended

If a person is charged with a misdemeanour and details reveal that the victim was injured or committed, the charges could change to a felony. Likewise, after a hearing, a defendant may have charges reduced from felony to misdemeanour according to specific details of the case.

Keep in mind people charged with felony classes are given more protection due to the seriousness of felony penalties. As a result, felony cases can take much longer than misdemeanour cases.
If you've been driving for a long time, chances are you've received a traffic ticket. And, if you haven't received one, you might wonder what happens when you get a traffic ticket. Most traffic tickets, which can also be called citations, are "infraction" level offences.
Infractions are less severe than a misdemeanour or felony crimes. Offences usually require the offender to pay a fine and don't become a part of a person's criminal record. However, some traffic tickets can have more severe consequences.
Still not clear about are traffic violations crimes?

Conclusion
People that commit crimes and are convicted of either misdemeanours or felonies after the age of eighteen will receive a permanent mark on their record. Depending on the offence, having a record can affect employment opportunities and many other aspects of life.
It is essential that people know and follows their state’s laws to stay out of trouble and consult a criminal lawyer should they encounter any issues. Criminal convictions and felony examples can carry lifelong consequences.
For more info, click here
https://www.getlegal.com/legal-info-center/criminal-law/felonies/
https://www.getlegal.com/legal-info-center/criminal-law/traffic-tickets/