Skip to main content

How do I know what class my crime falls into? Petty offenses, misdemeanors, or felonies?

Whitney S. Boan Protecting Your Right

Video Transcript

You would know that by referencing the applicable statutes. If it’s a federal petty office, that would be something that you could learn through the United States code or through the federal regulations. If it’s a state crime it would be in the Florida statutes. You would be able to know whether or not you were charged with a misdemeanor, whether or not you were charged with a felony, and what level or degree of each might apply to your charge.

It’s best that you talk with a lawyer, however, since you could understand even if you were arrested for a certain offense what your exposure might be once the prosecutors have had a chance to review your case and decide what if any charges they feel may be appropriate to levy against you.