Criminal Offenses: Infractions, Misdemeanors & Felonies
There are a variety of criminal charges ranging from infractions to felonies. If you are facing a criminal charge, it’s important to understand the charges as well as the possible penalties you may face if convicted. A criminal defense attorney can talk to you about your options and rights when it comes to your criminal defense.
Infractions
An infraction may also be known as a petty offense, and most jurisdictions classify infractions as civil offenses. Infractions are generally the least serious crimes in the United States and are typically a violation of a local ordinance, code, regulation or traffic rule. Some examples of infractions are jaywalking, littering, disturbing the peace or running a red light.
If you are convicted of an infraction, you may have a variety of penalties, including: having to serve five or less days in jail, pay fines or fix the offending situation. Typically, people convicted of infractions don’t end up serving time.
Misdemeanors
A misdemeanor is the criminal offense that falls between an infraction and felony. Misdemeanors are usually classified by the degree of severity. State court systems often use the classification of gross (or high), normal and petty misdemeanors for the criminal offense.
Some examples of misdemeanor crimes can be petty theft, disorderly conduct, vandalism, trespassing, public intoxication and prostitution.
If you are convicted of a felony, you could serve anywhere from five days to one year in jail. You may also be ordered to pay fines, complete probation or perform community service. In most cases, if you must serve time, you are sent to a local jail. It may be possible for you to complete the jail sentence on the weekends while continuing to work during the week.
Felonies
In the United States, a felony is generally the most serious kind of crime you could commit. Typically, felonies are classified by severity and labeled with numbers or letters.
If you are convicted of a felony, you will probably face the harshest punishments, including at least a year in prison, fines and deportation, if you aren’t a U.S. citizen. You may also face consequences not handed down by the court system, including restrictions on your rights to vote, serving on a jury, working in particular careers and owning firearms. A felony conviction can make it much harder on you to find a job.
Most people convicted of felonies must serve time in a federal prison, instead of a local jail. Repeat offenders may have to serve longer sentences than first-time offenders.
Felony crimes include murder, rape, arson, treason, terrorism, kidnapping, burglary and other crimes that are considered to go against American morals.
The classification of a criminal offense depends on where it was committed. For example, drug possession near a school can have more severe consequences then drug possession in your home. Also, the severity of the crime can depend on how much was being carried or if other crimes were committed along with drug possession.
A local criminal defense lawyer can further explain to you your charges as well as the penalties you may face if convicted.