Misdemeanor & Felony – What’s the Difference?
Being accused of a crime can be a stressful time for you and your family. As an experienced attorney at the Lake of the Ozarks , we help our clients through the legal process they are about to encounter. Most people have heard the terms “misdemeanor” and “felony” before, but many don’t know exactly what the terms are. O’Donnell Law Center has dedicated this week’s blog to just that – sharing the differences between a misdemeanor and felony charge. What is a Misdemeanor? A misdemeanor is a crime that is a minor offense. This type of crime is usually punishable by fines, a year or less in jail, community service, probation, or any combination of the four possibilities. It’s viewed as a lesser offense than a felony. Examples of offenses that qualify as a misdemeanor are: • Shoplifting • Possession of marijuana under 35 grams • Driving Under the Influence, first offense • Driving without a driver’s license, first offense • Violating a restraining order What is a Fel...