Criminal Law Q. What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor? A. Felony is a crime of a graver or more serious nature than those designated a misdemeanor. For example: Felonious assault means an assault done with intent seriously harm the victim. Misdemeanor is a lesser offense such as petit theft. For example: Stealing a $50 item from grocery store is classified a misdemeanor petty theft. Q. What are the possible penalties for a felony? A. Penalties for a felony are generally more serious and of longer duration than those of a misdemeanor. Penalties include imprisonment in a state prison, fines, and other serious penalties. Q. What are the possible penalties for a misdemeanor? A. Penalties for a misdemeanor are less serious in nature. They can include some jail time in the local jails (up to 6 months) and fines up to $1,000.00. Q. Do I need a lawyer for a traffic citation? A. Whenever a person is charged with any offense, even a traffic citation, it is always better to have an attorney represent that person. In all of these above-mentioned alleged crimes, an attorney will be able to present your side of the facts to the Court and will be knowledgeable as to how to present any evidence needed.