What Are the Different Types of Criminal Charges Under the Law?

Learn about the different types of criminal charges and how they can impact your online reputation.

Criminal charges are the formal, legal accusations made against individuals or entities for violating the law. These charges can range from petty offenses, such as traffic violations and minor property crimes, to much more serious crimes, such as murder, fraud and domestic violence.

Criminal charges can vary depending on the jurisdiction, but they generally fall into three broad categories:

1. Infractions
2. Misdemeanors
3. Felonies

Infractions are the least serious type of criminal charge, while felonies are the most serious category of crimes.

Our guide will provide an understanding of the different kinds of criminal charges, which is important for both defendants and the general public to know, as it can help inform legal decisions and provide insight into the severity of criminal activity.

NetReputation provides information and services to help you protect your online reputation. Call us at 844-461-3632 to learn more, or fill out the contact form below for a free consultation.

Infractions

The term “infraction” has several meanings, but in general, infractions are defined as “violations or infringements; or breach of statutes, contracts, or obligations.” You can think of infractions as minor offenses, unlike misdemeanors and felonies.

While specific elements and penalties of an infraction will depend on the particular offense and the laws of the jurisdiction where the crime occurred, common examples of these infractions include:

• Traffic violations, such as speeding or running a stop sign
• Jaywalking or crossing the street outside of a crosswalk
• Littering or dumping trash in public areas
• Violations of local noise ordinances
• Failure to obtain a required permit or license, such as a business license or building permit
• Public intoxication or disorderly conduct in public places
• Violation of leash laws or other pet-related ordinances
• Smoking in prohibited areas, such as indoor public spaces or designated non-smoking outdoor areas
• Violation of local curfews or loitering ordinances
• Minor violations of building codes or zoning regulations

Infractions are the least serious type of criminal charge and typically do not result in a criminal record. Mugshots may be taken during your interaction with law enforcement officials, though. If this happens, getting those mugshots removed from Google searches can help protect your online reputation.

No matter what, it is crucial to understand that any criminal charge – including something as seemingly minor as an infraction – can damage your online reputation and may result in long-term, serious consequences as you work to achieve your personal and professional goals. 

You can take control of your online reputation. Call us at 844-461-3632 for a free consultation with a reputation management expert.

Misdemeanors

A misdemeanor is defined as “a lesser crime punishable by a fine and/or county jail time for up to one year.” While misdemeanors are less serious than felonies, conviction of a misdemeanor crime may result in imprisonment, fines, and the loss of certain rights. A conviction can also hurt your chances of securing employment or housing. 

First-Degree Misdemeanors

First-degree misdemeanors are a category of criminal offenses that are less serious than felonies but more serious than second or third-degree misdemeanors. These crimes are typically punishable by up to one year in jail, fines, or both.

Here are a few various offenses that are considered first-degree misdemeanors:

• Simple assault
• Theft or shoplifting under a certain value
• Criminal mischief
• Driving under the influence (DUI) with no bodily harm
• Possession of drug paraphernalia
• Reckless driving
• Disorderly conduct
• Resisting arrest without violence
• Trespassing
• Prostitution

It is important to note that the specific elements and penalties of first-degree misdemeanors can vary by jurisdiction.

Second-Degree Misdemeanors

Second-degree misdemeanors are a category of criminal offenses that are less serious than first-degree misdemeanors but still carry significant consequences. These offenses are typically punishable by up to 60 days in jail, fines, or both.

Here are some examples of second-degree misdemeanors:

• Simple assault where no bodily harm is inflicted
• Disorderly intoxication
• Petty theft under a certain value
• Certain invasion-of-privacy claims
• Trespassing on private property
• Harassment or stalking
• Driving with a suspended license
• Resisting arrest without violence

Again, specific elements and penalties of second-degree misdemeanors can vary by jurisdiction.

Third-Degree Misdemeanors

Third-degree misdemeanors are the least-serious category of criminal offenses and are typically considered to be minor violations of the law. These offenses are typically punishable by fines and up to 60 days in jail, if incarceration is imposed at all.

Here are some examples of third-degree misdemeanors:

• Disorderly conduct, such as loud or disruptive behavior
• Possession of drug paraphernalia
• Loitering or prowling
• Trespassing on public property
• Minor traffic offenses, like driving without a license or registration
• Possessing alcohol as a minor
• Harassment or simple stalking
• Criminal mischief if the damage is under a certain value

These offenses are generally considered to be minor and often involve non-violent or low-level criminal activity.

Punishments for Misdemeanors

The punishments for misdemeanors can vary depending on the severity of the offense and the jurisdiction in which the crime was committed. In general, misdemeanors are considered to be less serious crimes than felonies and carry less severe penalties.

Here are some common punishments for misdemeanors:

• Incarceration: Misdemeanors typically carry a maximum sentence of one year in jail, although some jurisdictions may impose shorter sentences or no jail time at all.
• Fines: Those convicted may be required to pay fines, which can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the offense and jurisdiction.
• Probation: In some cases, defendants may be sentenced to a period of probation in lieu of or in addition to jail time. During probation, the individual must comply with certain conditions set by the court, such as regular check-ins with a probation officer or avoiding contact with certain individuals or locations.
• Community Service: In some jurisdictions, convicted misdemeanants may be required to perform community service as a condition of their sentence.
• Loss of Rights: Depending on the jurisdiction and the offense, convicted misdemeanants may lose certain civil rights, such as the right to vote or own a firearm.

It is important to note that the specific punishments for misdemeanors can vary widely depending on the jurisdiction and the specific circumstances of the offense.

Felonies

A felony is defined as “a crime that is punishable by one year or more in prison or by death.” Felonies make up the most serious category or crimes. Let’s look at the different types of felonies based on the degree of severity.

First-Degree Felony

A first-degree felony is the most serious type of felony and is usually reserved for the most egregious criminal offenses. In general, first-degree felonies carry harsher penalties than lower-level felonies and can result in lengthy prison sentences, substantial fines, and other severe consequences.

While specific elements and penalties of a first-degree felony will depend on the particular offense and the laws of the jurisdiction where the crime occurred, typical examples of these felonies include:

• Murder
• Aggravated assault
• Rape
• Kidnapping
• Arson
• Large-scale drug trafficking 
• Certain white-collar crimes, such as embezzlement or securities fraud 

First-degree felonies are considered to be among the most serious and harmful criminal offenses, and they can have a significant impact on the lives of both the accused and their victims.

Second-Degree Felony

Second-degree felonies are a category of criminal offenses that are less serious than first-degree felonies, but still carry significant penalties upon conviction. These offenses are generally considered to be more serious than misdemeanors and typically involve violence, theft, or drug-related crimes.

Here are some examples of second-degree felonies:

• Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon
• Manslaughter
• Robbery with a weapon
• Human trafficking
• Aggravated battery
• Burglary with assault or battery
• Felony DUI
• Stalking
• Possession of a controlled substance with the intent to sell
• Fraudulent use of personal identification information

Penalties for second-degree felonies vary by jurisdiction, but can include prison sentences of up to 15 years, substantial fines, and other legal consequences. It is important to note that a conviction for a second-degree felony can have a significant impact on an individual’s future, including their ability to obtain employment, housing, and other opportunities.

Third-Degree Felony

Third-degree felonies are criminal offenses that are less serious than first and second-degree felonies but are still considered to be serious offenses. These crimes typically involve less severe violent crimes, lower-value theft, and some drug crimes.

Here are some examples of third-degree felonies:

• Aggravated stalking
• Battery on a law enforcement officer
• Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
• Grand theft
• Fraudulent use of a credit card
• Possession of a controlled substance
• DUI causing serious bodily injury
• Aggravated white-collar crime
• Failure to register as a sex offender

Penalties for third-degree felonies vary by jurisdiction, but can include prison sentences of up to 5 years, substantial fines, and other legal consequences.

Punishments for Felony Charges

The punishments for felony charges can vary depending on the severity of the offense and the jurisdiction in which the crime was committed. In general, felonies are considered to be more serious crimes than misdemeanors and carry more severe penalties, including life imprisonment.

A felony offense carries the following potential consequences:

• Imprisonment: Felonies typically carry a minimum prison sentence of one year and can result in sentences of several years or even life imprisonment for the most serious offenses. The worse of these offenses may result in the death penalty, depending on the jurisdiction.
• Fines: Convicted felons may be required to pay fines, which can range from a few thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the offense and jurisdiction.
• Probation: In some cases, felons may be sentenced to a period of probation in lieu of or in addition to prison time. During probation, the individual must comply with certain conditions set by the court, such as regular check-ins with a probation officer or avoiding contact with certain individuals or locations.
• Loss of Civil Rights: Convicted felons may lose certain rights, such as the right to vote or own a firearm, depending on the jurisdiction and the offense.
• Restitution: In cases where crime victims have suffered financial harm as a result of the offense, the court may order defendants to pay restitution to the victims.

It is important to note that the punishments for felony charges can vary widely depending on the jurisdiction and the specific circumstances of the offense. 

Repair Your Reputation

Many people have made mistakes in their lives, and it’s common for those mistakes to cause serious reputational damage, significant harm to their future and other lasting consequences. Depending on the types of petty charges, misdemeanor offenses or felony offenses on your record, you may struggle to land that dream job, get a home or vehicle loan, or enter into a relationship with someone new.

Your online reputation is extremely valuable, and recovering from the reputational damage caused by a criminal conviction – no matter how minor – may require the assistance of a professional team.

NetReputation can help. Using proven strategies like negative content and image removal, branding, and content promotion, our online reputation management team can transform a bad reputation into one you can be proud of. 

Call NetReputation today at 844-461-3632 or complete the form below to begin your free reputation analysis.