When you are arrested and charged with a crime, one of the first things you ought to do is determine the type of offense you are being charged with. There are two main types: felony and misdemeanors.
Felony
A felony is the most serious type of offense. In the event of a felony, you will likely face significant prison time, as well as other penalties such as probation and a loss of your civil rights. In some cases, you may even be sentenced to death. In the United States, felonies are typically crimes that carry a possible sentence of a year or more imprisonment. There are many different types of felonies that one can be convicted of; these include rape, murder, robbery, and aggravated assault. The penalties for committing a felony depend on the offense type as well as the state in which it was committed. In some states, a felony is punishable by death while in others, the maximum sentence is life in prison. However, some of the most common penalties are imprisonment, probation, and fines. In some cases, a person convicted of a felony may also be required to register as a sex offender or have their driver’s license suspended.
Misdemeanors
A misdemeanor is a criminal offense that is less serious than a felony. Misdemeanors are typically punishable by up to one year in jail, and/or a fine. There are three main types of misdemeanors: petty offenses, offenses punishable by imprisonment, and offenses punishable by both imprisonment and fine. Petty offenses are the least levels of misdemeanor, only punishable by fines. Offenses punishable by imprisonment are more serious, and can result in up to one year in jail. Lastly, offenses punishable by both imprisonment and fine are the highest levels of misdemeanor, and can result in not more than a year imprisonment.
The consequences associated with a misdemeanor conviction will vary depending on the type of offense and the jurisdiction in which it was committed. However, some common consequences include jail time, probation, community service, and a criminal record. A misdemeanor conviction can also have other collateral consequences, such as the loss of your right to vote, the loss of your right to possess a firearm, and difficulty finding employment.
Wobbler
A wobbler is a criminal offense that is punishable by law. It is classified as a misdemeanor and typically results in a fine or jail time. However, the specifics of each case will vary depending on the state or country in which it takes place. A wobbler is a less serious type of offense. In the event of a wobbler, you may face some prison time, but it will be less than what you would receive for a felony. You will also likely face other penalties such as probation and community service. For example, a DUI is typically classified as a misdemeanor, which calls for hiring an experienced DUI lawyer, while burglary is typically classified as a felony. Each state has different laws regarding wobblers. However, a misdemeanor conviction typically results in a fine or jail time of less than a year.
If you have been charged with any criminal offense, it is important to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney to take you through the criminal justice system and protect your rights.