What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?

Misdemeanor and felony are two classifications of crimes that are used to determine the severity of the offense and the type of punishments imposed. In Virginia, misdemeanors are crimes that carry a jail sentence of up to 12 months and a fine up to $2,500, while felonies are more serious offenses that carry a jail sentence of more than 12 months and a fine up to $100,000. Misdemeanors are usually classified as minor offenses, such as certain types of theft, disorderly conduct, and traffic violations. Felonies, on the other hand, are more serious crimes, such as murder, rape, and white collar crimes. White collar crimes are crimes committed by individuals in a business or professional setting, such as embezzlement, fraud, and money laundering. For misdemeanors, the jury typically consists of six people, and the decision to convict requires only a majority of the jury, whereas felonies require 12 jurors and all must agree to a guilty verdict. Additionally, misdemeanors are typically expunged from the criminal record, while felonies remain on the record and can have lifelong consequences, such as difficulty finding a job, housing, and even obtaining certain licenses.

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What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?

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