What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor in Massachusetts? Does it have to do with whether you can go to jail or not if you get convicted or is it some other factor? Thanks.
Generally speaking the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor is the amount of time one would serve. A felony which is more serious would be served in a state’s prison. A misdemeanor would be served in a house of correction or a jail. A felony charge would include crimes like murder, rape assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. A misdemeanor charge would include crimes like driving under the influence,larceny under $250.00 and a simple assault.
Marlborough criminal defense attorney Stephen G. Morte provides legal services for people in the Greater Boston MetroWest region including Acton, Ashland, Ayer, Berlin, Bolton, Boston, Boylston, Cambridge, Clinton, Concord, Framingham, Fitchburg, Grafton, Harvard, Holliston, Hopkinton, Hudson, Lancaster, Leominster, Lincoln, Lowell, Luneneburg, Marlborough, Milford, Natick, Northborough, Shrewsbury, Southborough, Stow, Sudbury, Upton, Waltham, Wayland, Wellesley, Westborough, Weston, Worcester; and throughout Middlesex County, Worcester County, Suffolk County, and Norfolk County Massachusetts.