The Difference Between Infractions, Misdemeanors, And Felonies

Crimes are categorized into infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies, scanning least problematic and serious to most. Here, we break down how each category is classified:

Infractions (violations)

• Petty offenses
• Punishable by fines, but not jail time or probation
• No trial by jury
• The charged may hire an attorney if he or she so wishes, but the government does not have to appoint one if the charged cannot afford an attorney
• Example: traffic violations like parking and speeding tickets

 

Misdemeanors

• Criminal offenses
• Punishable by fines, up to 1 year in jail, probation, or community service
• Most crimes are entitled to a trial by jury
• The charged may have an attorney at the government’s expense
• Example: simple assault

Felonies

• Serious criminal offenses involving physical or verbal harm, fraud, white-collar crimes
• Punishable by fines, jail time of more than 1 year to life in prison without parole, possibly death sentence
• Crimes are entitled to a trial by jury
• The charged may have an attorney at the government’s expense
• Example: rape

That’s the simple breakdown of the classification of crimes and the punishments one can receive. Most arrested people will be allowed to bail out of jail, which is the time to contact us at Absolute Bail Bonds at (800) 793-2245. We provide fast service and affordable payment plans so all our clients, innocent until proven guilty, can get out of jail and return home.

If you or someone you know has been arrested, please call us right away at (800) 793-2245 so we can get them out of jail!