What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor?

In criminal law, there are two main categories of offenses: felonies and misdemeanors. The primary difference between a felony and a misdemeanor is the severity of the punishment. A felony is a more serious crime than a misdemeanor and is typically punishable by imprisonment for more than one year or even death. On the other hand, a misdemeanor is a less serious crime that is usually punishable by a fine or imprisonment for less than one year.

Felonies include crimes such as murder, rape, arson, kidnapping, and robbery, while misdemeanors include crimes such as traffic violations, disorderly conduct, and minor drug offenses. The severity of the crime and the specific circumstances surrounding the offense will determine whether it is classified as a felony or a misdemeanor.