Offenses recognized by criminal law are divided into felonies and misdemeanors. A felony is much more serious than a misdemeanor and is even tried in a different court. Not all states agree on the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor. While a misdemeanor may show up in a person's criminal record, it often won't simply because to lots of searchers, only crimes for which a jail term was served will constitute part of a criminal record.

There is usually a maximum of a one year jail sentence associated with misdemeanors. Often, some type of alternative sentencing will be considered in this case, and especially if it is a first offense. In some cases, offenders who have committed a misdemeanor for the first time may even be let off with a fine or community service.

Penalties for Felonies

Felonies carry jail sentences of one year and upwards, reflecting their more serious nature. If you have been accused of a serious crime, you should take your defense very seriously. Whether you have been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor, you will need to hire the best lawyer you can find. Even if you are not guilty, you still need expert defense.

Prosecution teams vigorously pursue their causes in court, and sadly, innocence is no longer a sure defense. Even if you're innocent, you need the right defense to help to make sure you don't serve jail time for something you didn't do. The right defense lawyer can help to make sure you serve a minimum sentence, or an alternative sentence, even if you are guilty.