What is the primary distinction between a misdemeanor and a felony?

The primary distinction between a misdemeanor and a felony lies in the severity of the crime and the corresponding punishment. A misdemeanor is generally considered a less serious offense than a felony and is typically punishable by less than a year in jail, probation, or community service. This delineation reflects the nature of the crime, with misdemeanors often involving minor infractions or less harmful actions compared to felonies, which can involve more severe offenses and longer prison sentences.

By understanding this, it is clear that while some misdemeanors can result in fines, the hallmark of a misdemeanor is the shorter incarceration time as opposed to felonies, which usually carry potential prison sentences of over a year. Additionally, civil disputes are not categorized as crimes in the same manner; they involve legal conflicts between parties rather than violations of criminal law. Hence, the distinction mainly revolves around the duration of punishment and the seriousness of the offense itself.