Brittany W. answered • 04/13/19
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Petty offenses/Infractions/summaries are generally crimes, such as traffic violations or minor retail theft, that carry no risk, or a minimal risk, of jail time. Most of the sentences include fines, probation, community service, and restitution.
Misdemeanors are crimes, such as simple assault or reckless endangerment, which carry a possible jail sentence of up to 1 year. Other conditions of sentencing could also include fines, probation, community service, and restitution.
Felonies are the "highest" types of crimes and hold the most jail time. These are crimes that carry a jail sentence of more than 1 year. The higher the offense gravity score of the crime (based upon your state's sentencing guidelines), the harsher the punishment. Crimes such as murder and rape carry some of the longest yearly punishments where other felonies, such possession of narcotics with the intent to sell, can range from 1 year to 10 years, depending on different factors such as the weight and substance of the narcotic.
Depending on your state, there are several crimes that have ranges from petty offenses all the way up to felonies, just depending on certain factors of the crime. All of the gradings of the crimes as well as sentencing guidelines vary by state. If you are concerned about a possible criminal charge, you should consult an attorney in your area to assist you.
**None of the information provided in this response is meant to be or intended to be taken as legal advice. Brittany W. is not liable for nor liable to any person should they misinterpret any answer provided as legal advice. This response also does not establish any attorney-client relationship between Brittany W. and any individual asking a legal question. If you need direct legal advice, you should consult an attorney.
