What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor?
Felonies and misdemeanors are differentiated based upon the potential penalties that the criminal offenses may carry. A misdemeanor is an offense which is punishable by up to 1 year in a county correctional facility. A felony is an offense which is punishable by death or imprisonment in a state penitentiary (state correctional facility) for a minimum of 1 year. Some crimes may be charged as a felony or a misdemeanor, depending upon the circumstances of the case.
