Felony v. Misdemeanor Crimes

Charged with a crime in Oakland County or Wayne County? If so, it important to understand the degree of your charges and how that defines the types of penalties you will face.

All crimes are categorized as felonies or misdemeanors.  Misdemeanors are the lesser offenses, and are typically punishable by no more than 1 year in county jail and up to $1,000 in fines.  A misdemeanor conviction can also result in community service, probation, driver’s license suspension, and court-ordered counseling, rehabilitation, or treatment.

Felonies are the more serious offenses, and are broken down by degree:  first degree felony, second degree felony, and third degree felony, with first degree felonies being the most serious of all crimes.  Felonies are punishable by at least one year in state prison and no less than $1,000 in fines, however, the penalties are usually much harsher.

At the Law Offices of Freedman & Freedman, we offer experienced criminal defense representation against both felony and misdemeanor crimes, such as:

• Murder, manslaughter (felonies)
• Sex Crimes (mostly felonies with the exception of prostitution and a few other offenses)
• Assault & Battery (typically charged as a felony)
• Drug Crimes (mostly felonies with the exception of simple possession)
• Kidnapping (felony)
• Hate Crimes (felony)
• Fraud Crimes (felony)
• White Collar Crimes (Felonies)
• Domestic Violence (can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances of the crime)
• Child Abuse (felony)
• Vehicular Manslaughter (felony)
• Arson (felony)
• Stalking (could be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony)
• Weapons Offenses (usually charged as a felony)
• DUI (usually charged as a misdemeanor but can be charged as a felony in certain cases)
• Auto Theft (felony)
• Violent Crimes (felony)