Facing a criminal charge can be a detriment to one’s long-term interests, compromising future opportunities, reputation and personal freedom. If charged with a crime, it will be critical to defend yourself, starting by understanding more about what you are up against. The right defense strategy for your individual situation depends on the details of your case, including whether it is a felony or misdemeanor offense. 

Felony offenses come with steeper penalties, and they involve more serious crimes. Misdemeanors are less serious crimes, and they will have less serious penalties if convicted. With a felony conviction, it is likely you will face time behind bars, while with a misdemeanor offense, you may not face any jail time. Regardless of the type of case against you, your future interests are at stake when facing any type of criminal charge. 

Felony charges 

Felony charges involve the most serious crimes one can commit, including murder. There are different classifications of felony offenses, and the length of the potential sentence depends on the nature of the crime. For example, a class A felony could result in a life sentence, while a class E felony could result in a prison sentence of one to five years.  

As the punishments associated with felonies are so severe, it is critical for anyone in Minnesota facing these charges to defend their rights at each step and tenaciously fight for their freedom. The most serious criminal charges merit the most thoughtfully prepared and effectively presented defense strategy possible for the situation. 

Misdemeanor charges 

Misdemeanor charges are less serious criminal offenses, and if they carry a jail sentence, it is typically for less than one year. However, a conviction of a misdemeanor can still leave a mark on your criminal record. It can also come with penalties and consequences that may include fines, loss of educational opportunities, employment complications and more.  

Take every charge seriously 

A criminal charge is a serious threat to your future whether it is a felony or misdemeanor offense. The right way to fight for your long-term interests depends on the details of your individual case. If you are under investigation, already charged or concerned about how a charge could affect your future, you would be wise to take immediate action to learn about the specific defense options available to you.