Understanding the crucial differences between misdemeanors and felonies.
Felony vs. Misdemeanor: What’s the Difference?
Hi I’m Oklahoma City Defense Attorney Aaron Easton and today I want to talk about an important question I get all the time. What’s the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor charge and why is it so important to have an attorney for either one of those? So first let’s talk about the basics. Felonies and misdemeanors are two different categories of crimes and the distinction can make a huge difference in the consequences you might be facing.
Misdemeanors are considered less serious offenses, containing things such as petty thefts, minor drug possession charges, public intoxication, and so forth. In Oklahoma if you’re convicted of a misdemeanor you’re generally looking at fines, probation through either a suspended sentence or a deferred adjudication, or possibly jail time of up to one year. On the other hand, felonies can be much more serious.
Why You Need an Attorney
Felonies include crimes such as assault with a deadly weapon, drug trafficking, robbery charges, of course all the way up to homicide charges. Felony convictions can result in longer sentences beginning at one year or more and sentences that result in prison rather than jail time. And sometimes these can be several years to life and carry other long-term consequences such as losing your right to vote, losing your right to own a firearm, and so forth.
So whether you’re facing a misdemeanor or a felony having a skilled knowledgeable attorney can make all the difference in your case. In misdemeanors you might think you know it’s just a minor offense, do I really need to pay for an attorney? I would say absolutely if you’re able to you should have an attorney. Misdemeanors can still affect your criminal record, it can affect future employment opportunities. An experienced attorney can help negotiate for lesser charges, possibly a deferred or suspended sentence like I mentioned before rather than time in jail, keep your record clean through diversion programs, or get your case dismissed outright of course.
Free Consultation
For felony charges the stakes can be much higher. You know a felony conviction can have as mentioned life-altering consequences and it’s critical to have an attorney who knows the system and who can build a strong defense in your case. Your attorney will investigate the charges, challenge the evidence that the state is trying to use against you, again negotiate with prosecutors, and fight for the best possible outcome in your case, again with dismissal being the primary goal to begin with.
So whether you’re charged with a misdemeanor or a felony don’t go through it alone. At Worthlaw Office we’re here to defend your rights, to guide you through every step of the legal process, and if you’ve been charged with a crime in Oklahoma it’s important to talk to an attorney privately and confidentially about the specifics of your case. Talk to somebody with my firm, you can call us on the phone at 405-888-5400 or reach us online at OklahomaCityCriminalDefenseAttorney.pro