Silver Spring Criminal Law Attorney

What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor?

Offenses are generally categorized as misdemeanors or felonies. In certain instances, the same criminal action may be charged as either a misdemeanor of felony, which is called a wobbler. Our Silver Spring criminal law attorneys at the Law Office of Harry A. Suissa, P.C. represent clients in municipal, state, and federal courts to defend their rights against alleged misdemeanors and felonies.

What are misdemeanors?

Misdemeanors are crimes that are punishable by a maximum penalty of one year in jail or less. Unlike felonies, incarceration for misdemeanors is either in a municipal or county jail. Other penalties for misdemeanors often include the loss of professional or driver's licenses, employment termination, fines, probation, mandatory classes, and community service.

Examples of misdemeanors include:

  • DUI/DWI
  • Reckless driving
  • Driving with a revoked license
  • Resisting arrest
  • Reckless driving
  • Petty theft
  • Prostitution
  • Vandalism
  • Trespassing
  • Shoplifting
  • Failure to appear in court
  • Disorderly conduct

What are felonies?

Typically, felonies are crimes that are punishable for one year or more in a state or federal prison. Felonies prosecuted in Maryland state courts are subject to definitions and sentencing guidelines established by the Maryland Legislature. Felonies are classified according to the type of crime—for example, murder, robbery, or arson—and within those classifications there can be degrees—such as first-degree, second-degree, or third-degree murder.

Some crimes, especially those that cross state lines or violate federal law, fall under federal jurisdiction and are subject to federal sentencing guidelines.

Felony charges are reserved for serious crimes, including:

  • Homicide
  • Murder
  • Arson
  • Rape
  • Sex crimes
  • Drug trafficking
  • Carjacking
  • Burglary
  • Kidnapping
  • Tax evasion
  • White collar crime
  • Aggravated assault
  • Conspiracy
  • Bribery
  • Forgery
  • Identity theft

Ask your Silver Spring criminal law attorney whether your case is under federal or state jurisdiction. In rare circumstances, the same felony may be tried in both state and federal courts and the trials do not constitute double jeopardy.

Put your case in the hands of an experienced Silver Spring criminal law firm

If you are considering criminal law attorneys in Silver Spring, contact the Law Office of Harry A. Suissa, P.C. at 877-708-9721. A free initial consultation is available in many cases. Our staff is bilingual in English and Spanish and we are located within easy walking distance of the Metro.