The mental state of being which demonstrates criminal intent. Without criminal intent there can be no crime. Further, if the accused person confesses to the authorities, the prosecution must prove to the judge that the defendant was informed of these rights and knowingly waived them, before the confession can be introduced in the defendant's criminal trial. The Miranda rule supposedly prevents self-incrimination in violation of the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. A crime punishable by less then one year in county jail.
Felonies are crimes punishable by one year or more in state prison.
Misdemeanors include petty theft, drunk driving, and disturbing the peace. The criminal act of concealing another's felony from law enforcement. This crime comes very close to the act of an accessory. Those circumstances surrounding the commission of a crime which reveal the lack of serious criminal intent. These conditions compel justice to favor leniency towards the defendant.