The generally accepted difference is the maximum sentence or penalty that was set by the legislature when it passed that law. Misdemeanors are punishable by a sentence of NOT MORE than 1 year in jail...
Generally felonies are more serious crimes and have possible prison terms ranging from one year to possibly death. Misdemeanors are less serious, and have a maximum sentence of less than one year in...
The two are not in any way synonymous. A MISDEMEANOR is a classification of a 'lesser-type' offense (Felony being the most serious type). Whereas, a "CITATION" refers to a "summons-type of document...
A misdemeanor is a crime that the state legislature has decreed the punishment for as no more than one year in jail. A felony is a crime that the punishment for is set at more than one year in prison.
It is the difference in what the state legislature has set as the penalty for the offense. Offenses that the statute mandates LESS than one year in jail are Misdemeanors. Offenses that the statute...