The Difference Between Misdemeanors and Felonies: What You Need to Know
If you’re facing criminal charges, it’s important to understand the differences between a misdemeanor and a felony. In the Wisconsin court system, a misdemeanor charge is typically associated with a less serious crime than a felony charge and generally results in a shorter jail sentence and/or a smaller fine. A felony charge usually results from a conviction of a more serious crime than a misdemeanor, and typically results in a longer jail sentence and/or a larger fine.
There are also many different types of misdemeanors and felonies, each with its own set of penalties. While we’ve done our best in this blog to provide some general information about misdemeanors and felonies, each case is different. That’s why it’s so important to have an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side to support you, answer questions, and fight for your rights.
At Fenton Law Office, Attorney Jay Fenton defends clients against all types of criminal charges, from misdemeanors to felonies. He and his team also have extensive experience with criminal appeals in Milwaukee. If you’re facing charges and have questions, you need an experienced Milwaukee criminal defense lawyer. Give Fenton Law Office a call today. We’re here to help.
What are the Differences Between Misdemeanors and Felonies?
As we discussed above, misdemeanors are charges that typically result from less serious crimes than felonies, and carry lighter penalties. In general, misdemeanors are punishable by up to one year in jail, while felonies are punishable by more than one year in prison. Additionally, misdemeanors usually result in smaller fines than felonies.
There are many different types of misdemeanors and felonies, each with its own set of penalties. That’s why it’s so important to have an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side.
Common Types of Misdemeanors
There are many different types of misdemeanors, and whether you are charged with a misdemeanor or a felony for a particular crime depends on several factors. One important factor to keep in mind is that, often, a first offense for the crimes listed below will result in a misdemeanor. Subsequent offenses, particularly those that happen within a couple of years of a first offense, may result in a felony. Questions? Contact Fenton Law Office in Milwaukee today.
Some common types of misdemeanors include:
- Drunk driving
- Reckless driving
- Theft
- Assault
- Burglary
- Disorderly conduct
- Vandalism
If you’re convicted of a misdemeanor, a typical sentence could be up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $5,000. While not as steep as a felony penalty, this can still be life-altering consequences. That’s why it’s critical that you call a criminal defense lawyer to help you with your case.
Common Types of Felonies
There are many different types of felonies, each with its own set of consequences depending on the factors of a particular case. The list below is certainly not complete, so call your lawyer if you have questions or are wondering if you might face a felony charge for a particular crime you don’t see listed here.
Some common types of felonies include:
- Murder
- Rape
- Armed robbery
- Kidnapping
- Burglary
If you’re convicted of a felony, a typical charge could be a year or more in prison and a fine of $10,000…possibly more. That’s why it’s so important to have an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side.
Why You Need to Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer to Defend Your Charges
If you’re facing criminal charges, whether they’re misdemeanors or felonies, it’s important to have an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side. A skilled lawyer can help you navigate the criminal justice system and fight for the best possible outcome in your case. Many times, people think they don’t need a lawyer to defend them when they’re facing misdemeanor charges, but that’s not true. Misdemeanor charges need to be defended just like felony charges and only an experienced lawyer knows how to navigate the nuances of the court system and ensure your rights are put front and center.
Fenton Law Office: The Preferred Milwaukee Criminal Defense Attorney Team
If you’re facing criminal charges, it’s time to call a criminal defense lawyer and get serious about defending yourself in court. At Fenton Law Office, Attorney Jay Fenton years of experience defending clients against all types of criminal charges, from drunk driving/DUI to murder, sexual assault, robbery, firearm crimes, and more. Our experienced team has your back and will fight tirelessly to ensure you get the best possible results in your case.
Give us a call today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced criminal defense team. We’ll review your case and help you understand your legal options. Call us now or contact us online to get started.