What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor?

In Tennessee, a felony is a crime that is punishable by one year or more in prison. Examples of felonies in Tennessee include murder, rape, robbery, and burglary. A misdemeanor in Tennessee is a lesser offense and usually carries a sentence of not more than one year in jail or a fine. Examples of misdemeanors include assaults, theft, and drug possession. The main difference between a felony and a misdemeanor is the severity of the penalty. Felonies are serious offenses and carry greater punishments than misdemeanors. Felonies can result in long-term incarceration or even the death penalty while misdemeanors can only result in less than one year in jail or a fine. Felonies are also seen as more serious than misdemeanors because they are more likely to be seen as a threat to society and the commission of these crimes is viewed as more culpable. Therefore, felonies are considered more serious than misdemeanors. Misdemeanors often have lesser punishments, but can still have a negative effect on a person’s life, such as a criminal record that can make it hard to get a job or rental housing.

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