Boise Criminal Lawyers - What's the Difference Between Felony and Misdemeanor?

Need a Criminal Lawyer?  Felony Charges?  Misdemeanor Charges? Call Kershisnik Law, (208) 472-2383 now to get the experienced and affordable help you need.  Free Consultation.

Felony v. Misdemeanor  What is the difference?
In Idaho, you can be charged with a crime that is a felony or a misdemeanor, but what exactly does that mean?  A felony crime is a very serious charge that, upon conviction, results in a prison sentence.  The prison sentence can range from 1 year to life in prison.  Felonies also involve greater fines than misdemeanors.  Upon conviction, a misdemeanor can carry jail time, though not necessarily, and a lessor fine amount.  A jail sentence for a misdemeanor will be no more than 1 year.


Can a Felony Charge Be Reduced to a Misdemeanor or Visa Versa?

Yes - depending upon the facts of your case, a misdemeanor charge may be increased or enhanced to a felony.  Also, if the facts aren't there a felony charge may be reduced to a misdemeanor.  A Boise Criminal Attorney can often advise you as to the possibility of your charges being changed.  The reasons for the change will depend upon the circumstances,  the consequences of the crime and the evidence available to the prosecuting attorney. Experienced criminal lawyers understand what is necessary to have the prosecuting attorneys reduce the charges against you.  This is one of the reasons why it is so important to have an experienced Boise Criminal Attorney represent you in a criminal law matter in Idaho.  The prosecuting attorney is not on your side and will not tell you what you can do or what you can argue to have a charge reduced.  It is part of the job of criminal lawyers to do this for their clients and they have been trained to do so.


What is the Difference Between Prison and Jail?

People often confuse the terms "prison" and "jail"  Prison means serving time in the state penitentiary.  Jail is run by the county and is used for misdemeanor sentences and for holding individuals until trial.  

If you need to speak to a Boise Criminal Lawyer, please call (208) 472-2383 for a free consultation.  Our attorneys are experienced and affordable.  Call now.