6 Most Common Examples Of Felonies And Misdemeanors
Crimes are broken up into a couple of relatively broad categories courtesy of the United States Federal criminal code. These two categories are as follows: felonies and misdemeanors. What distinguishes the two, among other things, is the maximum allowable punishment.
- Felonies – More than 12 months of incarceration apply to felony crimes as punishment.
- Misdemeanors – A one-year maximum of jail time is carried.
Here, we are going to examine some examples of felonies and misdemeanors, though the distinction between them – and the specifics of them – is not always so cut and dried. The same general classification can apply to a crime but, into different levels of severity, it may be broken down. The crime may be raised from a misdemeanor to a felony depending on the seriousness.
All of that said, let’s take a look at some specific crimes and punishments.
Traffic Violations
These are usually misdemeanors and can include the following:
- DUI
- Driving without insurance
- Driving without a license
- Speeding
Vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of an accident are, however, felony traffic violations. If you commit repeated DUIs, they may also be classified as felonies.
Indecent Exposure
Depending on whom the indecent exposure is committed, it can be classified as either a felony or a misdemeanor. For the victim, different age limits exist in various states (used to determine the severity).
Theft
Differing levels of severity also apply to this crime. The value of the property or cash stolen will help to determine whether the crime is a felony or misdemeanor.
Drugs
Again, either a felony or misdemeanor can apply to this crime. Simple drug possession charges are usually misdemeanors. Anything above and beyond simple possession could advance to a felony. Possessing drugs with the intent to sell, or possessing a large quantity, could result in a felony charge. From state to state, the specifics vary.
Disturbing the Peace
This can apply to unlawful public assembly, bullying others, fighting in a public place, and more. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the crime and the state in which it occurred, it may be a felony, but that’s rare. More times than not, this is a misdemeanor.
Assault
The crime of assault has multiple levels of severity. It would likely be a misdemeanor, for example, if you threatened someone but didn’t follow through on your threats. However, if, as part of the assault, a weapon was used – or an attack resulted in true bodily injury – this could be considered a felony.
Felonies Versus Misdemeanors
At least one year of jail time is ordinarily the punishment for felonies, and in many cases, incarceration terms are substantially greater. These crimes are more serious, after all.
Classifications for felonies:
- Kidnapping
- Grand theft
- Sale of illegal drugs
- Arson
- Rape
- Murder
Examples of classifications for the above-listed felonies:
- Class F or Class E Felonies: Low-level theft
- Class A Felonies: First-degree intentional homicide, murder, etc. which can carry a death penalty or life sentence in prison
Misdemeanors, depending on the state, can carry between six months and one year of jail time as a maximum. This refers to the following (as examples):
- Petty theft
- Trespassing
- Traffic violations and other similar offenses
Do You Need Legal Representation Due to a Misdemeanor or Felony?
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