Understanding the Difference between Misdemeanors and Felonies

Both misdemeanors and felonies are criminal charges with serious legal and social consequences. A misdemeanor can carry jail time and other significant penalties that will reverberate into your future. However, these charges are less severe than felony charges. Regardless of the kind of charge you’re facing, it’s always in your best interest to have skilled legal counsel in your corner. Our experienced Cumming criminal defense attorneys at Banks, Stubbs & McFarland are standing by to help.

Misdemeanor Charges in Georgia

The State of Georgia defines misdemeanors as crimes not classified as felonies.

Common Misdemeanor Charges

Common examples of misdemeanor charges in the state include all the following:

• Petty theft and shoplifting, depending on the circumstances and the value of the stolen goods
• Possession of less than one ounce of Marijuana
• Disorderly conduct
• Vandalism
• Traffic-related criminal charges like DUI

The Legal Consequences of a Misdemeanor Conviction

The legal penalties generally associated with misdemeanor convictions are steep. These include fines of up to $1,000, jail time of up to a year, and potential requirements related to community service, treatment or counseling, and probation.

You’ll also be left with a criminal record that can directly affect your employability, ability to rent a place to live, and ability to further your education. Further, if you already have a criminal record, the legal impact of a misdemeanor conviction can be even more serious.

Misdemeanor cases in Cumming are heard at the Forsyth County Courthouse in the State Court. Having a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer backing you up from the start can make a big difference in how your case is resolved.

Felony Charges

Felony charges in Georgia apply to crimes that carry more than 12 months behind bars. This makes the main distinction between the two charge categories the potential sentence for each.

Common Felony Charges in Cumming

Some of the most common felony charges in the state include the following:

• Aggravated assault
• Rape and sexual assault
• Burglary
• Armed robbery
• Murder charges
• Possession of any drug other than small amounts of Marijuana

There are also nonviolent felony charges. These are often called white-collar crimes, and they include fraud, tax evasion, perjury, and embezzlement.

The Legal Implications of a Felony Conviction

A misdemeanor conviction carries up to a year in jail. This generally refers to the local county jail, which, for Cumming cases, is the Forsyth County Jail. A felony conviction, on the other hand, carries a sentence of more than 12 months in state prison.

Fines for felony convictions are considerably higher than for misdemeanors. For a felony charge, you can also expect the state to put more effort into building a strong case against you, and there are more legal intricacies involved. Finally, a felony conviction is likely to bring more serious, long-term social barriers, as well as the loss of certain Constitutional rights, such as the right to vote and the right to possess firearms.

Our Experienced Cumming, GA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Can Help

Our capable Cumming, GA, criminal defense attorneys at Banks, Stubbs & McFarland will leave no stone unturned in our quest to help you. Learn more by contacting us online or calling our firm at 770-887-1209 today.