The difference between a felony and a misdemeanor

On Behalf of | Jun 14, 2017 | Juvenile Crimes

If you or your child have been charged with a juvenile crime in Florida, you may be wondering what exactly the charges mean. Confusing terms can make a stressful situation worse when you are trying to understand what will happen in the future. We at the Law Firm of Scott T. Moorey not only work to fight for your rights in court, but also to enlighten you about the complex legal terms that may be used in your case.

 

One of the two terms you may hear used are felony and misdemeanor. Your outlook on the case will depend on which crime you or your child were charged with. According to Chron.com, felonies include very serious crimes, such as racketeering, kidnapping, rape, murder, embezzlement and felony DUI. Assault leading to bodily injury is also considered a felony. In rare cases, these crimes can lead to the death penalty, but most juveniles who are charged with a felony will face at least a year in prison.

 

The other type of crime that your child may be accused of is a misdemeanor. Misdemeanors include trespassing, vandalism, disorderly conduct, public intoxication and possession of illegal substances. These crimes are generally not as serious and will be punishable by a prison sentence of less than one year and a fine.

 

Understanding exactly what your child is being charged with is the first step toward knowing how to fight for justice. To learn more about the topic of juvenile crime in Florida, please visit our web page.

Archives