What is the main difference between a felony and a misdemeanor?

The distinction between a felony and a misdemeanor primarily lies in the severity of the punishment associated with each type of crime. A felony is characterized by being punishable by imprisonment for more than one year, and can often involve more severe penalties such as longer prison terms, significant fines, or other serious consequences such as loss of civil rights. On the other hand, misdemeanors are typically less severe offenses, generally punishable by less than one year in jail, fines, or other minor penalties.

The other options contain misconceptions. While some misdemeanors can indeed involve financial penalties, so can felonies depending on the context. Not all felonies are violent crimes; many can be non-violent such as theft or fraud. Lastly, there is a clear distinction between the terms felony and misdemeanor; they do not refer to the same category of crime, as felonies are associated with more serious offenses compared to misdemeanors. Understanding this difference is crucial for comprehending the legal implications of various offenses.