Felonies and misdemeanors are two types of crimes that can really affect a person’s life. They change how a person's criminal record looks and can lead to different punishments.

What’s the Difference?

• Felonies are the more serious type of crime. They usually come with tougher punishments, like prison time for more than a year.
• Misdemeanors are also crimes, but they are less serious. They usually mean shorter jail time, usually less than a year, or just fines.

How It Affects Your Record:

1. Felony Records: If you get convicted of a felony, it can stay on your record forever. This can make it hard to find a job, get a place to live, or even vote.
2. Misdemeanor Records: Misdemeanors can also hurt your record, but they are not as damaging as felonies. In some areas, if enough time has passed, some misdemeanors can be removed or sealed from your record.

What Happens in the Future?

• Background Checks: Many jobs check your background. They usually find felony convictions, but they might not notice misdemeanors, depending on what they are.
• Legal Restrictions: People with felony records might lose certain rights, like the right to own a gun or vote. In contrast, those with misdemeanors usually don’t lose such important rights.

In summary, it's very important to know the difference between felonies and misdemeanors. They can change how a person’s criminal record affects their life, both personally and professionally. The types of crimes can shape someone's future for many years.