What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor?
In Pennsylvania, the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor is that felonies are more serious offenses. A felony is a crime punishable by a prison sentence of one year or more, and the possible punishment is usually determined by the statute which created the crime. In contrast, a misdemeanor is a lesser offense which is punishable by up to one year in prison or a fine. Felonies tend to carry greater social stigma than misdemeanors and are traditionally considered more serious crimes. Consequently, the consequences for people convicted of felonies are also more severe. For example, people convicted of felonies may be disqualified from certain job opportunities, may lose their eligibility for certain social services, and may lose their right to vote during the period of incarceration. Furthermore, felonies are generally more expensive to the state in terms of costs associated with successful prosecution and incarceration. Misdemeanors, on the other hand, typically require fewer resources in terms of court costs and jail time, and are therefore cheaper to prosecute. The distinction between felonies and misdemeanors is important in criminal procedure in Pennsylvania, as it can affect how a criminal case is handled and what types of sentences are imposed. As such, it is important to understand the basic differences between the two.
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