A misdemeanor is a lesser offense than a felony charge because of the possible sentence the defendant may receive if found guilty. In Illinois, misdemeanors are categorized by class. Examples include:
Class A: up to one year in jail
- DUI
- Prostitution
- Possession of Firearms
- Reckless Driving
- Aggravated Assault
- Fleeing from a Police Officer
- Battery
Class B: up to 6 months in jail
- Harassment
- Littering
- Criminal Trespass
- Obstruction of Service of Process
Class C: Up to 35 days in jail
- Possession of Marijuana
- Assault
- Disorderly Conduct
Typically a misdemeanor is punishable with jail time of up to a year. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that there are likely additional penalties when convicted, such as:
- Probation
- Fines
- Community Service
- Rehabilitation Classes
However, despite these more short-term impacts, a misdemeanor conviction could also carry some long-term consequences. As a result of this form of conviction, social effects could include:
- Difficulty Obtaining Employment
- Difficult Obtaining Housing
- Can Impact the Ability to Get into College
- A Criminal Record
The social and punitive consequences of a misdemeanor charge are serious if convicted, even long after a person has been rehabilitated. Because of the hefty consequences should an unfavorable outcome be reached, it’s best to seek representation from an experienced criminal lawyer in Bloomington, Illinois.
Felony Crimes
A felony charge is one of the most severe criminal charges a person can face. Felonies differ from misdemeanors in that they typically involve longer prison sentences and more significant penalties. Typically a felony conviction will be accompanied by a prison sentence of more than a year and hefty fines, $25,000 or more. In addition, convicted felons cannot access government benefits, may have difficulty obtaining housing and employment, and are unable to own firearms. Common examples of crimes that are classified as felonies include:
- Murder
- Armed Robbery
- Burglary
- Second Degree Murder
- Sexual Assualt
- Arson
- Perjury
- Forgery
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- Sexual Abuse
- Kidnapping
- +More
Felony crimes have different classifications depending upon the severity; the more severe the crime, the higher the consequences. For examples Class X Felonies (murder, armed robbery) can result in up to 30 years in prison.