The mildest crimes are known as infractions, more serious crimes are known as misdemeanors, and the most serious crimes are known as felonies. The classification of a crime influences both the substance and procedure of a criminal charge, so it's important to understand the differences between the classifications.
http://criminal.findlaw.com/criminal-law-basics/classifications-of-crimes.html
Examples of misdemeanors are disorderly conduct, fishing and hunting violations, first or second drunk driving offenses, most criminal motor vehicle offenses, etc. Tip: To find out whether your charge is a misdemeanor or a felony, look at the charging document and find the statutory cite for the crime. For example, it should include words General Laws, chapter or the initials G.L. c. and the word section or the symbol for section, §.
http://www.mass.gov/courts/selfhelp/criminal-law/misdemeanors-felonies.html
One that operates retroactively to: Make an act criminal that was not criminal when it took place OR aggravate a crim or make its punishment more severe OR change the rules of evidence against criminal defendants, as a class OR change criminal procedure to deprive criminal defendants of any substantive right.
https://quizlet.com/7861977/criminal-law-basics-flash-cards/
If there is no possible state prison sentence written into the law, even if there is a possible house of correction sentence of up to two-and-one-half years (or less), it is a misdemeanor. Our legislature defines felonies and misdemeanors in the General Laws of Massachusetts, at chapter 274, section 1.
https://www.serpalaw.com/felonies-vs-misdemeanors.html
The Differences Between a Felony and a Misdemeanor. The main difference between a felony and a misdemeanor is the severity of the crime. What is considered to be a severe crime will vary from society to society and, sometimes, from state to state. Both felonies and misdemeanors can be committed against people, property, or the state.
http://www.attorneys.com/criminal-defense/felonies-and-misdemeanors
Massachusetts's two criminal trial courts, the district (or, in Boston, municipal) courts, and the superior courts, play an important role in the distinction between felonies and misdemeanors. The Massachusetts district courts cannot hear offenses that carry only a state prison sentence.
https://www.serpalaw.com/felonies-vs-misdemeanors.html
If the crime you are accused of cannot be punished by a state prison sentence, it is a misdemeanor. If it includes a possible state prison sentence, it is a felony. Just look at the particular law you are charged with in the Massachusetts General Laws for the words “state prison” and you will have your answer.
https://www.serpalaw.com/felonies-vs-misdemeanors.html
What is the difference between civil infractions, misdemeanors and felonies? Civil infractions: A civil infraction is a minor violation. Many traffic violations are civil infractions, such as speeding, failure to signal, etc. The punishment for a civil infraction is usually a fine, there is no jail time.
http://www.mass.gov/courts/selfhelp/criminal-law/misdemeanors-felonies.html
What Distinguishes a Misdemeanor From a Felony? Felonies and misdemeanors are two classifications of crimes used in most states, with petty offenses (infractions) being the third. Misdemeanors are punishable by substantial fines and sometimes jail time, usually less than one year.
http://criminal.findlaw.com/criminal-law-basics/classifications-of-crimes.html
Misdemeanor vs. Felony. A felony is a more serious crime than a misdemeanor and carries much higher penalties, such as long-term jail sentencing. For example, murder or armed robbery are felonies, while shoplifting — typically a nonviolent crime — is a misdemeanor. In several states, possession of small amounts of marijuana has been downgraded to a misdemeanor. The penalty for misdemeanors often involves only a fine and no jail sentence.
http://www.diffen.com/difference/Felony_vs_Misdemeanor
the main difference between felonies and misdemeanors
The main difference between felonies and misdemeanors is the severity of the crime.