Sentencing guidelines for serious crimes (felonies) and less serious crimes (misdemeanors) are very different. This is mainly because the seriousness of the crime and its possible consequences can change how someone is punished.

Felonies

• What They Are: Felonies are serious crimes. They usually mean jail time for more than a year or even worse punishments like the death penalty.
• Sentencing Guidelines: Each state has its own rules for sentencing felonies to make sure punishments are fair and consistent. For example, the U.S. Sentencing Commission provides rules that many states use to help guide their decisions.
• Important Facts: Around 10% of all arrests end up with felony charges. This has caused the number of people in prison for felonies to rise, from about 2.3 million in 1980 to over 6.5 million today.

Misdemeanors

• What They Are: Misdemeanors are less serious crimes. People who commit these might just pay a fine or go to jail for less than a year.
• Sentencing Guidelines: The rules for misdemeanors usually take into account different situations and focus on helping people change their behavior instead of just punishing them. Many places have programs that let offenders avoid jail by completing certain tasks.
• Important Facts: Misdemeanor convictions make up around 80% of all criminal cases. This shows how common these less serious offenses are and how they affect the legal system.

Conclusion

The type of crime really matters when it comes to sentencing. Felonies tend to have tougher and more set punishments, while misdemeanors often come with more flexible options that focus on rehabilitation and helping people change.