Infraction, misdemeanor, and felony are the three different types of criminal cases we have. Each of them is differentiated by the severity of the crimes committed and the level of penalties associated with them.
In the United States, the classification of these criminal offenses and their penalties vary by state because each state’s legislature and Congress determine what constitutes an offense and the associated penalties.
The 3 Types of Criminal Cases
Here are the three different types of criminal cases we have:
Infraction
An infraction is a minor offense or petty crime, such as running a stop sign, speeding while driving, violating building codes, littering, or disobeying seatbelt laws. It’s mostly punished by fines instead of jail time and usually doesn’t require attendance in court. While an infraction is considered a minor offense, the inability to resolve penalty charges on time could have some more negative consequences. For example, your license could be suspended or revoked if you have multiple points on it. If these infractions get accumulated, they could develop into a misdemeanor or jail time.
Misdemeanor
A misdemeanor is the midpoint between infractions and felonies. It attracts a small fine or a short jail sentence upon conviction. However, each state has different levels of misdemeanors categorized by Class 1 to Class 4, or Class A to Class D, with the level of severity and charges for the crimes decreasing as the classifications increase. In the U.S., for example, misdemeanants can serve their time in a county or local jail for a period not exceeding a year. They can also lose certain employment opportunities or be penalized by community service, court supervision, fines, probation, or a minimal jail sentence. Examples of misdemeanors are simple assault, harassment, vandalism, trespassing, and public intoxication. Misdemeanors are often crimes against people, property, or public order or safety.
Felony
Felony is a serious criminal offense. It’s the highest level of criminal offense and involves the most severe penalties. It usually affects the offender and their accomplices, who may have aided them before, during, or after the crime. Under U.S. federal law, a felony is punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding a year or by death. The prison sentences can exceed a year without parole or result in executions. Felonies are difficult to erase and can haunt an individual forever, remaining on their records permanently, while felons can lose their rights to vote or to own firearms. Felonies are classified into violent and nonviolent crimes and include rape, murder, arson, drug abuse violations, and aggravated assault.
If you have been charged with any of these types of criminal cases, your best bet is to get a lawyer who can offer you professional legal advice and effectively represent you in court so as to try to help you reduce any of your charges.
How Hasina Lewis Can Help
Lewis Law is a reputable law firm in Virginia that specializes in criminal cases like arson, assault and battery, drug possession and distribution, fraud and forgery, malicious wounding, marijuana possession, petit and grand larceny, possession and concealment of firearms and other dangerous weapons, probation violations, prostitution, and robbery.
Lewis Law has won over 94% of cases in more than 1,000 court appearances and succeeded in securing the reduction of the sentences in over 340 of those cases. We’re an experienced and innovative criminal defense and personal injury law firm in Northern Virginia.
Get your free consultation today. For more information or inquiries, call our toll-free number (703) 591-4507 or visit our office at 3925 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 202, Fairfax, VA 22030.
