In Washington state, misdemeanors and felonies are the two main categories of criminal offenses, differing primarily in severity and potential penalties.

Misdemeanors: 

• Misdemeanors are less serious crimes compared to felonies, though they are still serious. 
• There are two types of Misdemeanors: Simple Misdemeanors and Gross Misdemeanors.
• Misdemeanors typically carry shorter jail sentences than felonies, usually up to between 90 and 364 days, with fines of up to $1000 and $5000, depending on whether the misdemeanor is simple or gross.
• Examples of misdemeanors include petty theft, simple assault, disorderly conduct, and certain traffic offenses such as Fourth Degree Assault & Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

Felonies: 

• Felonies are more serious offenses and carry harsher penalties.
• They often involve more significant harm to individuals or society and may include crimes such as murder, robbery, burglary, sexual assault, drug trafficking, and white-collar crimes.
• Some Gross Misdemeanors can be filed as Felonies if there are previous convictions for that same offense, such as DUI and DV No Contact Order Violation. 
• Felonies are punishable by incarceration in state prison for more than one year, along with substantial fines.
• The specific penalties for felonies vary based on factors such as the severity of the crime and the defendant's criminal history.

In summary, while both misdemeanors and felonies are criminal offenses, felonies are more serious and carry more severe penalties, including longer prison sentences and larger fines, compared to misdemeanors.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MISDEMEANORS & FELONIES

Protect Your Rights During a Legal Questioning

You can expect questioning from prosecutors and police officers after an arrest in Michigan. The professionals recommend that you politely decline to answer any of their questions while requesting a lawyer.

Advise You During Your Arraignment

The court will hold an arraignment hearing after your arrest. During this hearing, the court provides information about the charges you face, and you have a chance to enter a plea of:

• Guilty

• Not Guilty

• No Contest

Handle Your Pretrial Hearings

You may have several pretrial hearings for your trial starts, including a bail hearing. We can discuss these hearings with you so you know what to expect. We may also file motions at pretrial hearings to block evidence or have your case dismissed. 

Defend You in Court

Your case may not go to court in Michigan. However, if it progresses that far, you can count on a Michigan criminal defense attorney to stand up for you. We’ve developed strategies that work to support clients like you.

Protect Your Rights During a Legal Questioning

You can expect questioning from prosecutors and police officers after an arrest in Michigan. The professionals recommend that you politely decline to answer any of their questions while requesting a lawyer.

Advise You During Your Arraignment

The court will hold an arraignment hearing after your arrest. During this hearing, the court provides information about the charges you face, and you have a chance to enter a plea of:

• Guilty

• Not Guilty

• No Contest

Handle Your Pretrial Hearings

You may have several pretrial hearings for your trial starts, including a bail hearing. We can discuss these hearings with you so you know what to expect. We may also file motions at pretrial hearings to block evidence or have your case dismissed. 

Defend You in Court

Your case may not go to court in Michigan. However, if it progresses that far, you can count on a Michigan criminal defense attorney to stand up for you. We’ve developed strategies that work to support clients like you.