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The difference between misdemeanors and felonies

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It does not matter if one lives in Colorado or elsewhere, various crimes are treated differently. When it comes to the kind of charges one will face, the details of the alleged crime will make all the difference in whether a person is charged with a misdemeanor or a felony. What is the difference between misdemeanors and felonies?

A misdemeanor is a crime that is considered more serious than an infraction — an infraction being a minor violation such as a traffic ticket — yet less serious than a felony. Depending on the crime, one may face jail time or have to pay minimal fines if convicted. A misdemeanor charge, while it may not feel like a major thing, can follow a person for the rest of his or her life, so it is not something to treat lightly.

Felony charges are reserved for serious/violent crimes such as kidnapping, arson, robbery, assault and a number of other offenses. Penalties may include imprisonment for one or more years and hefty fines. The consequences associated with felonies can be life-altering. As such, how one fights a felony-level charge is really going to matter.

There are big differences between misdemeanors and felonies. Colorado residents who are facing either can turn to an experienced criminal defense attorney for help. With legal counsel at one’s side, it is possible to ensure one’s legal rights are being protected, to make informed decisions regarding how to approach one’s case and to fight for the best outcome possible under the circumstances.

Source: FindLaw, “What Distinguishes a Misdemeanor From a Felony?“, Accessed on Nov. 29, 2017

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