No one wants to think about being charged with a crime.
Felony charges or misdemeanor charges. What does it matter? Both of them can ruin your life.
But wait just a second before you panic…
Yes, being charged with a crime is a nightmare. But not all criminal charges are created equal.
The penalties and lasting consequences of a misdemeanor vs felony charge will affect you for years to come. Jail time, fines, loss of voting rights, loss of firearm rights.
THE STAKES ARE HIGH.
The best way to protect your rights and future is to understand the differences and be knowledgeable about your options when it comes to felony defense representation.
So let’s dive in and learn exactly what you need to know when faced with criminal charges.
What you’ll pick up here:
- Misdemeanor vs. Felony: What’s The Difference?
- How Felony Charges Follow You For Life
- Experienced Felony Defense Representation Matters
- What To Do After You’ve Been Charged With A Crime
Misdemeanor vs. Felony: What’s The Difference?
Let’s keep this simple.
Misdemeanors are less serious crimes. Petty theft, minor drug charges, simple assault. Any criminal offense that doesn’t rise to the level of extreme violence, injury, or destruction.
Felony charges are for serious crimes like robbery, drug trafficking, murder, or aggravated assault.
Offenses that have a potential sentence of more than one year in state prison.
Misdemeanors usually result in sentences served in jail
These can be local city jails or county jails. Many misdemeanors are punishable by up to one year incarceration and fines.
Felony convictions bring higher stakes
A conviction on felony charges can result in state prison. Some felony offenses are punishable by more than 20 years in prison. Even first time felony convictions can lead to felony probation.
Speaking of penalties…
Misdemeanor fines will usually be less than felony fines.
Felony convictions can carry fines of $10,000 or more.
These are the potential penalties handed down at sentencing. But the consequences of felony charges go way beyond jail time and fines.
It’s what happens after you finish your sentence that can really change your life.
That’s why it’s so important to consult a Oceanside criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. Competent felony defense representation can negotiate lesser charges and change the outcome of your case.
How Felony Charges Follow You For Life
What most people don’t realize is how far reaching felony convictions can be.
They don’t just disappear after you pay your debt to society. A felony stays on your record for a very long time.
A felony conviction will haunt you for years.
In fact, CBS News reported that nearly 80 million Americans have a criminal record. That’s 1 in every 4 adults!
Here’s how felonies can affect your life:
- Employment – A criminal record can decrease the chances of getting a job callback by over 60%. Employers love running background checks and they often hesitate to hire anyone with felony convictions.
- Housing – Denied. As if finding a job wasn’t hard enough, landlords and property management companies will deny your applications left and right.
- Voting Rights – You may even lose your right to vote completely depending on where you live. Some states revoke voting rights until the sentence is completed. Others revoke your voting rights permanently.
- Firearm Ownership – Felons are prohibited from owning firearms. Anyone who was a hunter or enjoyed target shooting will no longer be allowed to participate.
- Professional Licensing – Everything could be impacted. From applying for a professional license to volunteering with local nonprofits… Felony convictions restrict your options.
Life as a convicted felon is incredibly difficult.
Even after doing everything right and serving the full sentence, escaping the consequences of a felony charge is nearly impossible.
This is part of the reason why having felony defense representation is so critical from the beginning.
Why Strong Legal Representation Matters
Here’s the thing…
Not every felony charge results in a felony conviction.
And not every misdemeanor stays a misdemeanor. Charges can be amended or reduced with proper legal representation.
This cannot be stressed enough.
Getting arrested for a crime doesn’t automatically mean a conviction for that crime.
A good attorney can help negotiate misdemeanor charges down or get them dismissed entirely.
Felony defense becomes even more important when the possibility of decades in prison is on the table.
So do yourself a favor and hire a qualified criminal defense attorney who knows how to navigate felony charges.
Your future depends on it.
Experienced Felony Defense Representation Matters
When you’re accused of a crime it can seem like everyone is out to get you.
Police are trying to lock you up. The District Attorney is trying to file the biggest charges possible.
But that’s not the full picture.
You have rights. And you have options when it comes to felony defense representation.
An experienced criminal defense attorney will protect your rights and hold law enforcement officials accountable for their actions.
If they step out of line, your attorney can get evidence thrown out of court.
Your attorney can advise you on everything from what to say to law enforcement to where to go after you’ve been released.
Follow these tips if you’ve been charged with a crime.
What To Do After You’ve Been Charged With A Crime
Being charged with a crime is scary and most people don’t know what to do.
But there are clear steps that can make a real difference in the outcome. Thousands of people have navigated misdemeanor charges and felony charges successfully by following the right process.
So take a deep breath and follow these tips.
Stay Silent
You have the right to remain silent.
Don’t talk to law enforcement about anything related to your case. Take a deep breath and politely tell them you’ll cooperate, but you want to wait until you’ve spoken with your attorney first.
Get A Lawyer
As soon as possible. You need a felony defense lawyer on your side that knows the ins and outs of criminal defense.
Learn About Your Charges
Take the time to read about your charges. Knowing exactly what you’re up against will help you and your attorney build a stronger defense.
Follow All Instructions
Attend all court dates. Follow the court’s instructions to a tee.
Documentation Is Your Friend
Write down everything you remember about the arrest and charge. Contact information, dates… whatever you can remember that might be useful to your defense team.
Tying It All Together
A misdemeanor vs felony charge is night and day.
Not only do felony charges come with heftier penalties like jail time and bigger fines. They also follow you for the rest of your life.
Knowing the difference and having felony defense representation is the first step to protecting yourself and your future.
Felony charges are serious and you should take them seriously, but that doesn’t mean you can’t fight back.
With hard work and the right felony defense lawyer on your side, you’ll have options and you’ll get through it.
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