When you are arrested and charged with a crime, you will be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony. Both are frightening situations to be in. No one wants to be charged with a crime. It looks bad to potential employers, friends, and family. Most people are not criminal law experts and when they are charged with a criminal act, they do not know the subtleties in their potential charges. One point of confusion for people is the difference between misdemeanors and felonies. So, what is the difference between them?

Misdemeanors are the lesser of two evils. They have the potential to send you to your local jail, fine you, or a combination of both. Felonies are considered the more serious of the two possible charges and carry stiffer penalties. They have the potential to put you in prison, fine you higher amounts than misdemeanors, or a combination of both. The prison sentences for felonies are typically much longer than misdemeanors as well. Although both are not something you want to take lightly, felony charges are the more serious of the two.