Federal Misdemeanors
Federal misdemeanors are prosecuted under federal law and typically involve lower maximum penalties than felony offenses. Even so, misdemeanor charges in federal court still carry real consequences, including jail time, fines, probation, and a permanent criminal record.
Federal misdemeanor classifications are often referenced across multiple statutes depending on the charge, the conduct involved, and the authorized punishment. These classifications help determine how an offense is charged, sentenced, and categorized under federal criminal law.
The statutes below address how misdemeanor-level offenses and petty offenses are defined and classified at the federal level.
- 18 U.S.C. § 3559 – Sentencing Classification of Offenses (Misdemeanors)
- 18 U.S.C. § 19 – Petty Offense Defined
Understanding Federal Misdemeanor Laws
Federal misdemeanor statutes govern non-felony offenses prosecuted in federal court, including misdemeanor and petty offenses. While these charges typically carry lower maximum penalties than felonies, they can still result in jail time, fines, probation, and a permanent federal criminal record. Classification statutes help determine how these offenses are charged and punished.
Federal Misdemeanor Defense
Federal misdemeanor cases are handled under federal criminal procedure and can have serious consequences beyond the immediate sentence. If you are facing federal misdemeanor charges or a petty offense, speaking with a lawyer familiar with federal criminal law can help you understand your options. Contact Combs Waterkotte online or call (314) 900-HELP to speak with an experienced federal criminal defense attorney.
