5 Key Differences Between a Misdemeanor and a Felony Conviction in Indiana

While it’s never a good thing to be facing a criminal charge, there are significant differences in Indiana between a misdemeanor conviction and a felony conviction. These are particularly important to keep in mind in cases where you may be facing a more serious charge and are offered a “plea bargain” for a less serious one. Some of the key differences between misdemeanors and felonies are as follows:

1. Sentences and Fines. Depending on the level, a misdemeanor conviction can result in a prison sentence of anywhere from 60 days to 1 year and a fine of up to $5000. Felony penalties range from a minimum of 6 months for a Level 6 felony to a maximum of 40 years for a Level 1 felony, with fines of up to $10,000 for all felony levels. (Murder has its own category, with prison terms ranging from 45 to 65 years and a fine of up to $10,000.) 
2. Repeat Offender Issues. Prior felony convictions can result in the defendant being sentenced as a “habitual offender” for new felony convictions. This can result in an additional prison term of anywhere from 3 to 6 years for a new Level 5 or 6 felony conviction or from 8 to 20 years for a new Level 1 through 4 felony conviction. Misdemeanor convictions do not typically count for habitual offender status determinations.  
3. Diminished Opportunities After Release. A felony conviction can make it much more difficult to find a job, qualify for a professional license in Indiana, rent an apartment, live in subsidized housing, or borrow money. Felony convictions typically have significantly more consequences than misdemeanors. 
4. Loss of Rights and Privileges. In Indiana, those serving time for a felony conviction are not allowed to vote, though that right is restored once you’ve completed your sentence and any probation term. A felony conviction can also limit your ability to own a firearm. Indiana does not allow convicted felons to own handguns, and federal law prohibits those convicted of a felony or a domestic violence misdemeanor from owning any firearm. These continuing consequences do not apply to most misdemeanor convictions. 
5. Ability to Expunge Prior Convictions. It is generally easier in Indiana to expunge prior convictions for misdemeanors than it is for felonies. The more serious the felony, the more difficult it is to secure an expungement.

Contact Razumich & Associates to Learn More

When you’ve been charged with a crime, whether a misdemeanor or a felony, you need the help of an experienced and aggressive criminal lawyer who understands the laws, procedures, and court systems in Indiana. At Razumich & Associates, we have years of experience helping clients all across Indiana defend themselves against misdemeanor and felony criminal charges. Our experience both in and out of the courtroom helps us whether we’re negotiating plea deals with prosecutors or aggressively protecting our client’s rights at trial. And if you have a prior conviction that you’d like to see expunged, we can help with that as well.  

Contact Razumich & Associates today at 317-449-8661 or schedule a confidential consultation with one of our experienced criminal defense attorneys to learn more about how we can help you.