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And a Misdemeanor Is?

Misdemeanors may be different from state to state, but generally speaking they are similar enough to be recognized instantly no matter where you live in the US.

Each state and the federal government have its own system to classify crimes according to their legal code. Although you would think this would cause mass confusion, most times the crimes are along very similar lines with similar definitions.

Felonies are the most serious offenses, often punishable with a prison term of over a year. In more serious felonies the penalty may be death. On the other hand, a misdemeanor means going to jail for less than a year because the nature of the crime is not as serious.

Once you get into the misdemeanors, you get further categories broken out based on the severity of the crime. For instance a Class A misdemeanor is the most serious, with a jail term not exceeding a year plus a fine (variable from state to state.)

If you’re up for a Class B misdemeanor, it is usually a jail sentence of less than 180 days. Class C misdemeanors only carry fines. Felonies on the other hand are much more serious and include capital felonies such as first-degree murder. In jurisdictions with the death penalty, capital felonies may have either the death penalty or life in prison.

Again once you’re into the serious felony charges you have degrees assigned to the crimes. For instance first-degree felonies usually come with prison terms with a range of no less than five years to life.

Your second-degree felonies have jail time of up to 20 years but not less than a deuce (2 years). Third-degree felonies come with prison sentences of no more than 10 years and a deuce less.

You may be wondering how the various crimes are distinguished and how they fit into one category or another. Generally speaking, the decision on how such and such a crime is pegged for classification is based on what the state law says about that crime, any prior offenses and either aggravating or mitigating factors.

While you may think that the wheels of justice grind exceedingly slow and fine, overall the various classifications and penalties do suit the crimes. Rather like that saying referring to doing the crime and doing the time.

Jeremiah Denslow is a Dayton Divorce Lawyer in Dayton Ohio with Denslow Law Firm. The firm specializes in family law. Jeremiah also practices Dayton criminal defense. To learn more, visit http://www.denslowlaw.com.

Jeremiah Denslow is a Dayton Divorce Lawyer in Dayton Ohio with Denslow Law Firm. The firm specializes in family law. Jeremiah also practices Dayton criminal defense. To learn more, visit Denslowlaw.com.

About the Author

Jeremiah Denslow is a Dayton Divorce Lawyer in Dayton Ohio with Denslow Law Firm. The firm specializes in family law. Jeremiah also practices Dayton criminal defense. To learn more, visit http://www.denslowlaw.com.

And a Misdemeanor Is? by Jeremiah Denslow