Montgomery Alabama: Misdemeanor vs. Felony Charges

If you are facing criminal charges, you may be wondering about the differences between misdemeanors and felonies. While both types of crimes can result in significant consequences, felonies are much more serious than misdemeanors. In most states (including Alabama), misdemeanors can result in up to one year in jail, and felonies are punishable by more than one year in jail.

If you are facing either misdemeanor or criminal charges, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible. To schedule a consultation with a criminal defense attorney in Montgomery, contact our office today.

Examples of Alabama Misdemeanors

Misdemeanors can address a wide range of prohibited conduct. Some examples of crimes that are typically misdemeanors in Alabama include the following:

• Simple assault
• DUI
• First-time drug possession
• Shoplifting
• Disorderly conduct
• Trespassing

Importantly, in some cases, crimes that are usually misdemeanors can be elevated to felonies due to the existence of aggravating circumstances. For example, if you assault someone with a weapon (rather than when you are unarmed), it can elevate the charge you are facing to a felony.

Examples of Alabama Felonies

As mentioned above, felonies are more serious than misdemeanors. In fact, they are the most serious type of crime you can be charged with. Some examples of felonies in Alabama include the following:

• Murder
• Rape
• Auto theft
• First-degree domestic violence
• Child pornography
• Manslaughter
• Aggravated assault

Both Misdemeanors and Felonies can Result in Serious Collateral Consequences

As someone facing criminal charges, you should be aware of the fact that any criminal charge has the potential to result in long-term collateral consequences. That said, the collateral consequences of a felony conviction can be much more serious. For example, if you are convicted of a felony, it could affect your ability to vote or possess a firearm, and you may be categorically excluded from certain types of employment. Some collateral consequences you may face for any type of conviction include:

• Problems renting an apartment
• Difficulty finding employment
• Termination from your current job
• Denial of a professional license
• Academic sanctions, including suspension, expulsion, or the loss of a financial aid package

What Can a Criminal Defense Lawyer Do for You

There are many ways that a criminal defense attorney can help you if you are facing criminal charges. Perhaps most importantly, a lawyer can evaluate your case and determine if any defense applies. For example, if the police violated your rights during your arrest, it may be possible to have the evidence collected excluded. If there are no defenses available in your case or it strategically makes sense, your lawyer can attempt to negotiate a favorable plea bargain with the prosecutor handling your case. For example, in some instances, your lawyer could have your charges reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor, resulting in a less harsh penalty, 

Call a Montgomery Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

If you are facing criminal charges, you should contact a criminal defense attorney in Montgomery as soon as possible. This is true whether you are facing misdemeanor or felony charges, as any conviction has the potential to affect your life for years to come. To schedule a consultation with attorney Wallace D. Mills, call our office today or contact us online.