What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor?

The difference between a felony and a misdemeanor in Hawaii is significant. A felony is a serious crime that carries a potential prison sentence of one year or more. Felonies in Hawaii include murder, rape, kidnapping, fraud, and other serious offenses. Misdemeanors are less serious offenses that carry a prison sentence of less than one year, or other consequences such as fines or community service. Misdemeanors in Hawaii include petty theft, disorderly conduct, trespassing, vandalism, and public intoxication. Felonies usually require an arrest and a court appearance. Additionally, if convicted, a person can face hefty fines, probation, community service, and even jail time. Misdemeanors, on the other hand, are usually handled with a citation and the defendant only needs to appear in court if they choose to contest the ticket. Overall, felonies are much more serious than misdemeanors in Hawaii. A felony conviction can have a significant impact on a person’s life, including the potential for prison time and loss of civil rights. Therefore, it is important to be aware of these two types of offenses and their consequences before entering a court in Hawaii.

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