California All Felonies and Misdemeanors
Most criminal systems across the United States, divide their crimes into different categories depending on the severity. The major categories are infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies. There may be different levels or classes within these categories determined by the amount of jail time.
Misdemeanors
Misdemeanors are more serious than infractions. Under federal law and in most states, a misdemeanor is a criminal offense that carries a potential jail term of less than one year. Some states define a misdemeanor as a crime that is not a felony or an infraction
- Class A misdemeanor – one year or less, but more than six months
- Class B misdemeanor – six months or less, but more than thirty days
- Class C misdemeanor – thirty days or less, but more than five days.
Most likely, jail time is served at a local county jail instead of a high-security prison.
Felonies
A felony is the most serious type of crime. The federal government defines a felony as a crime with a punishment of more than one year.
- Class A felony – life imprisonment or the death penalty;
- Class B felony – twenty-five or more years;
- Class C felony – less than twenty-five years, but more than ten years;
- Class D felony – less than ten years, but more than five years; or
- Class E felony – less than five years, but more than one year.
Felonies are usually crimes that are viewed severely by society and include crimes such as homicide, rape, burglary, kidnapping, or arson.
If you have been charged with a felony or misdemeanor, you must seek the services of a criminal defense attorney with vast experience with homicide cases. Sheila Moshini has extensive knowledge of the law and the legal system. She has developed excellent relationships with law enforcement and law officials throughout California.