Last updated on December 16th, 2025 at 07:51 pm
If you’ve been accused of a crime, you need to understand what could be in your future. U.S. states generally classify crimes into felonies and misdemeanors, and which one you’ve been charged with affects the penalties you could face.
Either way, it makes sense to seek aid from an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer can guide you through the legal process, help you understand your rights, advocate for you, and potentially improve your chances of a reduced or eliminated sentence.
The Different Categories of Crimes
Misdemeanors
A misdemeanor is a moderately serious, usually non-violent crime. Federal law defines it as a criminal offense with a potential jail term of less than one year. Actions like vandalism, simple assault, shoplifting, reckless driving, or first-time drug possession usually fit into this category.
There are several different classes of misdemeanors. Under federal sentencing, a Class A misdemeanor carries a sentence between six months and a year, a Class B misdemeanor carries a sentence between thirty days and six months, and a Class C misdemeanor carries a sentence between five and thirty days. If you are sentenced to jail time, you will likely serve it in a local county jail rather than a high-security prison.
Individual states often define misdemeanors a bit differently. In Washington state, crimes seen as more serious than infractions but less serious than felonies can be divided into misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors. A gross misdemeanor leads to county jail time for up to 364 days and/or a fine of up to $5,000, while a misdemeanor leads to county jail time of up to 90 days and/or a fine of up to $1,000.
Felonies
A felony is the most serious category of crime. Aggravated assault, sexual assault, armed robbery, tax evasion, kidnapping, arson, and murder fall under this category. The federal government defines a felony as a crime with a punishment lasting a year or more.
Like with misdemeanors, felonies fall into different classes based on the amount of prison time. In federal sentencing, a class A felony leads to life imprisonment or the death penalty, class B leads to 25+ years in prison, class C leads to 10-25 years, class D leads to 5-10 years, and class E leads to 1-5 years. Prison time is usually in a state correctional institution.
Many states classify felonies a bit differently. In Washington state sentencing, a class A felony leads to 20+ years of prison time and/or a fine of $50,000 or less. A class B felony leads to prison time of 10-20 years and/or a fine of $20,000 or less. A class C felony leads to prison time of 5 years ot less and/or a fine of $10,000 or less.
Infractions
Infractions are the least serious category of legal violations and are usually not considered crimes. These are typically rule violations like parking violations, speeding, trespassing, littering, and disorderly conduct.
Infractions are usually punished with a fine or community service. Most infractions do not result in jail time, and in the rare event that they do, it will be no more than five days. An infraction on its own won’t appear on your criminal record, but it can turn into a more serious offense if you leave it unaddressed or unpaid.
In Summary: The Difference Between a Misdemeanor and a Felony
A misdemeanor is a less serious crime than a felony. Usually, a misdemeanor conviction involves some county jail time and smaller fines, while a felony comes with a longer sentence in a state prison, larger fines, and potentially permanent loss of freedom.
What to Do If You’ve Been Charged With a Crime
If you’ve been accused of or charged with a crime, you will want a lawyer as soon as possible. A criminal defense attorney can protect your rights and potentially help you reduce or eliminate criminal penalties.
Both misdemeanors and felonies will go on your criminal record, although some misdemeanors can eventually be vacated from that record if you meet certain requirements after three years. Having either type of offense in your past can add challenges to your life beyond the official punishments, such as difficulties finding employment. You will want a competent professional by your side to advocate for you.
The Anderson Hunter Law Firm is here to advocate for you throughout the criminal defense process, from pre-charging investigation and arraignment to jury trial, probation violation, and vacating/sealing records. We’ve been helping individuals in the Snohomish County area for over a century.
Contact us today to request a consultation with an experienced criminal defense lawyer.