What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor?

The main difference between a felony and a misdemeanor is the severity of the punishment for committing a crime. A felony is a more serious crime than a misdemeanor, and carries a harsher punishment. In Virginia, a felony is an offense that is punishable by death, or by imprisonment in a state or federal correctional facility for more than one year. Examples of felonies include arson, murder, burglary, and theft of property valued at more than $200. Misdemeanors are less serious crimes than felonies and come with lighter punishments. In Virginia, a misdemeanor is an offense that is punishable by a fine, community service, and/or up to one year in jail. Common misdemeanors include driving while intoxicated, trespassing, and vandalism. It is important to note that in addition to punishments, there may be other differences between felonies and misdemeanors in Virginia. For example, a person convicted of a felony may not be able to vote, while a person convicted of a misdemeanor may still be able to vote. In addition, some felonies may carry additional consequences such as the loss of certain rights or the loss of a professional license.

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