Many people in who are charged with a felony or a misdemeanor may begin to wonder what exactly this means and what will the process be like in court. This also brings up the issue of whether to hire a professional criminal lawyer or criminal attorney, or to attempt to defend one's self. Penalties and consequences that can be incurred if found guilty of either a felony or a misdemeanor can drastically alter an individual or family. For this reason, hiring a professional criminal lawyer or certified criminal attorney is always the best way to be defended in court.

A felony is considered to be a more serious crime, while misdemeanors are less severe. In the United States and in the State of Virginia, there is a distinct separation between felonies and misdemeanors. The main distinction between the two is the consequence that can be handed out to those that are found guilty. If the crime has the capability of being punished by death or imprisonment of more than one year, it is considered a felony. Any crime whose maximum penalty is exactly one year or less is considered to be a misdemeanor. In either case, a criminal accusation is a serious event and adequate defense should be prepared.

Attempting to defend one's self can be a daunting and difficult task, full of a vast new vocabulary, books, laws, and terms that are rarely understood by the average individual. A criminal attorney has been through intense course at college, law school, and through seminars that have trained him or her to be able to provide proper defense in the case of either a felony or a misdemeanor.

Many criminal lawyers have become specialized in a specific aspect of the law. For example, a DUI lawyer has trained himself or herself in order to understand every aspect of the law and be better prepared to have success in court. Individuals who are accused of driving under the influence who attempt to defend themselves find out very quickly that being an attorney is a difficult task for those not well trained.

There are many types of felonies that can be brought against a person. These include aggravated assault, illegal drug use, arson, burglar, robbery, murder, rape, and many other charges. The consequences attached to these charges are not pleasant and can even result in an individual being given a death sentence.

When it really comes down to it, the most important thing that can happen during the trial and court proceedings is that the accused receive the best legal advice possible. Even those who feel that they have a large knowledge of the law may not be able to adequately represent themselves in court because they lack the practice. Criminal attorneys are given the ability and time necessary to practice and study law every day. For this reason, it is always best to seek the counsel and representation of professional criminal lawyers whenever an accusation of a misdemeanor or felony offense arises.