What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor in criminal defense law?

In Mississippi, a felony is a more serious criminal offense than a misdemeanor. Felony offenses are usually punishable by more severe punishments than misdemeanors, including incarceration in a state or federal prison, significant fines, and probation. Misdemeanors, on the other hand, are typically punishable by jail time of up to one year, smaller fines, and sometimes probation. The primary distinction between a felony and a misdemeanor offense is one of severity. Felonies involve violence or property destruction, whereas misdemeanors can be as minor as a traffic violation. For example, in Mississippi, a felony may range from robbing a store to driving without a license, whereas a misdemeanor may include shoplifting or speeding. In criminal defense law, a defense lawyer may argue that a charge of a felony should be reduced to a misdemeanor by presenting evidence that the offense is not as serious as initially thought. In some cases, the lawyer may also argue that the defendant should be acquitted of the charge altogether. But it is ultimately up to the judge or jury to decide whether to reduce a charge or acquit the defendant.

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What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor in criminal defense law?

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