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

In New York, criminal defense law is divided into two categories: misdemeanors and felonies. A misdemeanor is a less serious crime than a felony and typically carries a lesser penalty. Misdemeanors are punishable by fines or up to a year in jail. The most common misdemeanor crimes include simple assault, shoplifting, and driving without insurance. Generally, misdemeanors are non-violent crimes that do not result in serious injury or death. Felonies are more serious offenses, carrying harsher punishments. These crimes often involve serious physical harm, although they may also involve financial fraud, theft, and other crimes deemed particularly serious. Felony convictions often mean a minimum of a year in prison, and sentences can be much longer depending on the severity of the crime and other factors. In short, misdemeanors are less serious crimes with lighter penalties than felonies. Felonies are the more serious crimes, with heavier punishments, like prison sentences of up to many years in length.

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