What’s the difference between criminal convictions such as infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies?
Infractions
Ever get a speeding ticket? That’s an infraction. In most states, an infraction isn’t considered a criminal offense and is rarely punishable by jail – yet most respectable people seem surprised to find themselves in traffic court.
Misdemeanors
A misdemeanor is any “lesser” criminal offense. Misdemeanors are generally punished less than felonies, but more than infractions. Many misdemeanors are punished with monetary fines, but some result in jail time. To use a religious analogy, a misdemeanor is sort of like a “venial sin.” You messed up, but it’s not the end of the world. If you get time behind bars, it’s local, and not for long.
Felonies
If you are convicted of a felony, that is generally more serious. In the eyes of the law, you really messed up big time. In US law, a felony is typically defined as a “crime punishable by a term of imprisonment of not less than one year or by the death penalty.” In religious analogies, this would be a “mortal sin” in the Catholic Church. Punishment will be “in the big house” – a state or federal prison. However, probation is possible for less serious felonies, especially if you have a clean record.
If you find yourself in a city or municipal court, that’s good in one sense – it means you aren’t charged with a felony. Felonies are handled at the big courthouse. This is not legal advice, just a general overview. Marty was a regular in principal’s office in his Catholic grade school growing up. Everybody “breaks bad” and messes up at some point in life. Marty is here to help clean up that mess.