Misdemeanor vs. Felony Charges in Kansas: What It Means for Your Future

Facing criminal charges in Kansas can be intimidating, especially if you aren’t sure whether you’ve been charged with a misdemeanor or a felony. Although either charge could negatively affect your life, felony charges can pose a much greater risk to your freedom, finances, career, and future.

If you have been arrested or are currently being investigated, learning the difference between misdemeanor vs. felony charges is one of the first steps you can take to protect your rights and make informed decisions about your case.

Difference Between Misdemeanor vs. Felony in Kansas

The biggest difference between misdemeanor and felony charges centers around potential punishment.

Misdemeanors are less serious offenses that carry shorter jail sentences and lower fines. Felonies are much more serious and can result in years, or even decades, in prison. Felonies can also limit many facets of your life moving forward.

That doesn’t mean you should take misdemeanor charges lightly. Many employers run background checks, and a misdemeanor can still affect your job prospects. In addition, certain convictions could impact your housing options and professional license.

Misdemeanor in Kansas

A misdemeanor is any criminal offense that carries a maximum punishment of one year in county jail. Kansas divides misdemeanor charges into three categories:

Class A Misdemeanors

Maximum penalties include one year in jail and large fines.

Examples include:

• Domestic battery
• Certain DUI crimes
• Battery
• Theft with lower-value property
• Criminal damage to property

Class B Misdemeanors

Maximum penalties include six months in jail.

Possible examples include:

• Certain first-time traffic offenses that have criminal penalties
• Some disorderly conduct offenses
• Petty theft

Class C Misdemeanors

Maximum penalties include up to a month in jail.

Possible examples include:

• Minor municipal offenses
• Some traffic offenses
• Ordinance violations

Although misdemeanor punishments don’t hold the same weight as felony punishments, prosecutors can still pursue cases aggressively, especially those involving domestic violence or drunk driving charges and repeat offenders.

Felony in Kansas

Felony charges are more serious crimes that can result in prison time. Kansas has a sentencing grid that factors in the severity of the crime and your criminal history.

Felony punishments range from a few months to several decades in prison. Examples include:

• Aggravated assault
• Aggravated battery
• Burglary
• Drug distribution
• Drug trafficking
• Robbery
• Sex offenses
• Firearms offenses
• Felony DUI
• Murder

Sentences depend on previous convictions, aggravating factors, and whether someone was injured during the commission of the crime.

Felony vs. Misdemeanor: Why It Matters

You may think avoiding jail time is the most important factor in any criminal case. Although that is vital, whether you end up with a misdemeanor or felony conviction can impact your life well after your case is resolved.

Job Prospects

Employers commonly run background checks. A felony conviction can make it challenging to land your dream job, especially if you’re looking to work in:

• Healthcare
• Education
• Government
• Finance
• Fields that require professional licensing

Some misdemeanors can cause difficulties when hunting for a job, mainly if they involve violence, theft, dishonesty, or drugs.

Professional Licenses

When reviewing professional license applications and actions by nurses, teachers, contractors, real estate agents, accountants, and healthcare professionals, Kansas licensing boards will typically consider your criminal history.

Felony convictions can put your professional license in jeopardy or bar you from receiving one in the first place.

Renting an Apartment

Landlords often run criminal background checks on potential renters. Felony and misdemeanor convictions can make it difficult to rent the home of your choice. A felony tends to have a more severe impact.

College Scholarships

Scholarships, schooling programs, and on-campus housing can all be affected by your criminal history. If you are facing criminal charges, consider how a conviction could affect your education.

Firearm Ownership

Many felony convictions result in the loss of your firearm rights. In many cases, felony convictions bar you from lawfully possessing or purchasing a firearm.

Civil Rights

Some felony convictions can impact your civil rights. In Kansas, you typically regain your right to vote after finishing your sentence. But felony convictions can still pose legal challenges years after your case is finished.

Can a Misdemeanor Charge Become a Felony?

Yes, although your charges must meet specific criteria to increase in severity. For instance, stealing a high-dollar-amount commodity could shift from misdemeanor theft to felony theft.

Examples of crimes that can escalate include:

• Repeat DUI
• Repeat domestic violence
• Felony drug crimes
• Thefts exceeding a specific dollar amount
• Aggravated assaults
• Offenses that result in injuries

Keep in mind that prosecutors can file felony charges if certain aggravating factors are involved. This is why it’s crucial to take all misdemeanor and felony charges seriously and seek guidance from a skilled criminal defense attorney.

Can Felony Charges Be Reduced?

Felony charges aren’t necessarily set in stone. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your case, an experienced criminal defense attorney may negotiate with prosecutors to reduce your charge to a misdemeanor.

Having a felony conviction on your record can drastically change your life. By reducing a felony to a misdemeanor, you limit your potential punishment and lessen the long-term effects of a conviction.

Not every case is cut and dry, so charge reductions will depend on the facts of your case.

Arrested in Kansas? Here’s What Happens Next

Although each criminal case is unique, both misdemeanor and felony charges will generally proceed through the following phases:

• Arrest/Citation
• Initial appearance
• Prosecutors file formal charges
• Evidence/disclosure phase
• Negotiations/motions
• Trial
• Sentencing

Decisions made during the early stages of your case can impact your case’s outcome. Talk to a qualified criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and preserve defenses.

Contact a Kansas Criminal Defense Attorney Today

The penalties and consequences you face depend on whether you’ve been charged with a misdemeanor or felony. Having a lawyer on your side can make all the difference. Don’t wait until it’s too late—contact us now to schedule your free consultation.