Misdemeanors vs. Felonies (and Why You Need a Lawyer for Both!)

Misdemeanors vs. Felonies (and Why You Need a Lawyer for Both!)

It’s true that not all crimes are the same. The law punishes some crimes more leniently than others, though the punishments can still change your life. The criminal defense attorneys at Henry & Beaver want you to know that while there’s a difference between a misdemeanor and a felony, it’s still important to take both seriously. When you need help from a criminal defense attorney in Lebanon PA, make sure to call the skilled attorneys at Henry & Beaver, LLP.

For the most part, the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony comes down to one of punishment. A misdemeanor is generally a crime that is punishable by a year or less in jail. It’s a middle classification of crime, more severe than just a summary offense but not quite as severe as a felony. Felonies are those crimes that have a punishment of more than a year in jail and that tend to carry with them a host of other penalties that can further restrict your freedom even after release.

While you might not think a misdemeanor is severe, the truth is that some misdemeanor sentences carry collateral consequences that are just as severe as felony sentences.  It is important that you hire an experienced criminal law attorney who can explain the consequences to you before you plead guilty or go to trial.. Misdemeanors stay on your record, and they can seriously impact your ability to find gainful employment. If the crime involves any kind of violence or theft, for example, you may quickly find yourself barred from many different careers.

Hiring an experienced criminal defense lawyer is also important for felony charges, not just to avoid the lengthy potential prison sentences or large fines, but also to ensure that you won’t have to deal with the lasting collateral consequences of a felony on your record.

There is absolutely no such thing as “just a misdemeanor.” If you or a loved one are facing a criminal charge, you’ll need the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney Lebanon PA. Contact Henry & Beaver, LLP today to schedule a initial consultation.