What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor?

A felony and a misdemeanor are two different types of crimes in South Carolina. Both are serious offenses, but they differ in their severity and the potential penalties they carry. A felony is the most serious crime in South Carolina. These crimes can include homicide, rape, robbery, and drug trafficking. Conviction of a felony in the state can result in lengthy prison sentences, hefty fines, or both. A misdemeanor is considered a less serious offense than a felony in South Carolina. These crimes range from disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace to some types of theft and some types of drug possession. Conviction of a misdemeanor in South Carolina can result in fines and county jail time of up to a year. The difference between a felony and a misdemeanor is the seriousness of the crime and the potential punishment. Felonies are the more serious of the two and can potentially result in much harsher punishments, like prison time. Misdemeanors are less serious, but can still result in significant penalties.

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What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor?

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