What is a Felony?
A felony is a severe crime that can result in serious consequences. Rape, murder, burglary etc. are crimes that constitute felonies. Historically speaking felonies resulted from one’s violation of the natural rights of another. Stealing from or physical injuring a person violates their natural rights and the common law looked very disfavorably on such offenses. Today, you can also be convicted for the mere production, distribution, or possession of drugs – significant deviation from the purpose of common law felonies. Felonies can result in over a year of imprisonment. Such serious crimes should be dealt with by an experienced and capable attorney so as to decrease the severity of possible punishments depending on the criminal case. If you have been charged with a felony, call the Utah Criminal Defense Attorney law firm at Salcido Law Firm.
What is a Misdemeanor?
The definition of a misdemeanor can vary depending on the jurisdiction but most often it is in reference to a crime less than a felony. Federal law claims that any offense that has a term of imprisonment of one year or less is a misdemeanor. If stolen property or damaged property is involved in the criminal case, the charge of misdemeanor or felony can be constituted based on the dollar amount of damage or missing property. The higher the amount of stolen or damaged property can dictate the case being considered a felony rather than a misdemeanor as well.
What is a Quasi Criminal Case?
Quasi-criminal proceedings possess some, but not all, qualities of a criminal prosecution. Criminal court proceedings most often involve cases where ethical or social morals of society have been violated. The term quasi means seeming or resembling. Crimes defined as quasi-criminal are the result of acts that do not violate the social or ethical morals of society as severely as crimes defined as felonies or misdemeanors.
Charged with a Crime?
If you are facing a criminal charge you need a Utah Criminal Defense Attorney from Salcido Law Firm. Call us at 801.618.1334 to schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys and find out what options there are for you.
