Felonies & Misdemeanors

What is a Felony?

A felony is a criminal offense that is punishable with over a year of jail time.  All felonies are considered very serious crimes and involve harsh legal consequences.  Commonly committed felonies include:  murder, homicide, armed robbery, grand theft, embezzlement, rape, drug cultivation, multiple DUI offenses, and fraud. 

Once a person is convicted of a felony offense, he/she may have to spend over a year in jail and pay large monetary fines.  The person may also be subject to community service, probation, and court ordered treatment programs.  Additionally, the person will have a felony listed on their criminal record, which may lead to the loss of future employment, housing, and education opportunities.  In the state of California, convicted felons lose their voting privileges, and their right to legally posses a firearm. 

What is a Misdemeanor?

A misdemeanor is a criminal offense that is punishable with less than a year of jail time.  Misdemeanor offenses are considered less serious than felony offenses, but are still subject to strict legal penalties.  Commonly committed misdemeanor offenses include:  shoplifting petty theft, domestic violence, DUI, vandalism, trespassing, prostitution, simple assault, disorderly conduct, traffic violations, and public intoxications. 

If a person is convicted of a misdemeanor offense, he/she may be punished with less than a year in jail and monetary fines.  The person may also be subject to probation, community service, and court ordered treatment.  Misdemeanors are listed on a convicted offender’s criminal record, and may limit the offender’s future employment, housing, and education opportunities.  However, misdemeanor convictions are much easier to expunge or seal than felony convictions.   

Contact an Orange County & Irvine Criminal Defense Attorney

If you have been charged with a felony or misdemeanor in Orange County, you will need reliable, aggressive legal representation from a skilled criminal defense attorney.  The Law Offices of Virginia L. Landry has successfully handled a vast array of felony and misdemeanor cases for clients in Orange County and surrounding areas.  At the Law Offices of Virginia L. Landry, each client’s case is considered a priority.  Criminal Defense Lawyer, Virginia L. Landry, aims to provide each of her clients with upstanding legal advice and dependable resources.