What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor?

The primary difference between a felony and a misdemeanor in Pennsylvania is the severity of the offense. A felony is a more serious crime than a misdemeanor, and penalties for felonies generally are more severe. Felonies are typically considered crimes that harm society or inflict serious harm on individuals, like murder, robbery, assault, and arson. If convicted of a felony in Pennsylvania, you may face a longer jail sentence, fines, probation, or a combination of these. Misdemeanors are less serious offenses, such as shoplifting, vandalism, and disorderly conduct. Punishments for misdemeanors are typically less severe than for felonies, such as shorter jail sentences, fines, or probation. Both felonies and misdemeanors can be taken to court in Pennsylvania. Depending on the severity of the crime, the case can be heard by a district court or a higher court, such as a county court or a court of common pleas. If you are accused of a felony, you may be required to appear in court for an arraignment or hearing. For some misdemeanors, you may be able to pay a fine without appearing in court.

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What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor?

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