Criminal and Felony

The terms 'criminal' and 'felony' are oftentimes interchanged, but they
are actually very distinct conditions. Criminal offense is actually a
broader term,
with felonies, infractions and misdemeanors as its three types. Once you
are levied with any of these violations, you
will be held punishable according to the statutes of the justice system.

1. Felony - Known as the gravest of criminal offenses, examples of
felonies include rape, murder, kidnapping, even grand theft auto and
armed robbery. The
punishment for committing any of these crimes can range from
incarceration, life without parole, even the death sentence.

Once convicted of felony, you will lose several rights, such as the
right to vote, and the right to carry ammunitions.

Apart from the felon, persons who have helped him can be charged by the
justice system as well.

2. Misdemeanors - Touted as lesser crimes, incarceration for this type
of offense is usually under a year. Other forms of punishment for
misdemeanors can
include restitution, community service, or probation.

Misdemeanors differ from felony with regards to the crime's severity.
However, misdemeanors such as driving under the influence can become a
felony
especially if the accident results in injury or death.

3. Infraction - Considered the mildest of crimes, infractions, which are
also known as violations, involve an individual act of deviation from
local laws
and regulations. It usually does not come with jail as consequence.
Instead, fines are usually levied, which can be paid on the spot or in
court.

Beating the red light is considered a minor infraction, but if it
results to injury or death, it can be elevated to the level of
misdemeanor or felony.

You can hire an attorney in case you are filed an infraction case, but
you cannot expect legal assistance from the government.

Since a brush with the law is almost always unavoidable, it is best if
you are well-informed of criminal offenses and felonies - what they
entail, and what you can expect in case you commit the. After all,
ignorance of the law will do you no good!

via: http://www.liveproof.info/check/