Misdemeanors are a lower class of offense which results in the following differences:
Many states define felonies as a crime with a punishment of a year of incarceration up to a life sentence. Incarcerations for misdemeanors are never longer than a year.
Felony convictions have serious ramifications, such as losing the right to vote, bear arms, sit on a jury, or achieve specific professional licenses. Convicted felons often find it difficult to obtain jobs and find housing.