When Oregonians are charged with a crime, they are charged with a very specific offense. In Oregon, crimes are broken down into a variety of different categories. Each category has a very specific meaning with specific consequences. People need to understand these categories to know exactly what they are facing following an arrest.
In general, crimes are split into two general categories as many people likely understand. These categories are felonies and misdemeanors. Felonies are more serious charges that carry significant penalties, whereas misdemeanors are less serious. However, people may not be aware that misdemeanors can be broken down even further -- into ordinary misdemeanors, petty misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors.
In particular, petty misdemeanors are the lowest category of misdemeanor. This means that these crimes carry the smallest criminal penalties. In general, the penalties for a petty misdemeanor include a fine of less than $500, and a jail sentence of less than six months.
Petty misdemeanors can be contrasted with gross misdemeanors. Gross misdemeanors are much more serious and carry heavy penalties. In these cases, the fines are generally less than felony charges, but more than ordinary misdemeanors.
In most cases, the penalties that a person can face for a crime will depend on the specific charges that a person faces, in addition to whether that crime is classified as a petty misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor or a felony. Understanding these classifications can also help people start to develop a criminal defense strategy for the charges. By consulting with an attorney, people can get specific legal advice on the penalties they face and how to avoid them.
Source: FindLaw.com, "Misdemeanors," accessed on Aug. 9, 2015
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