What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?

In current times, all crimes, both misdemeanors and felonies, are defined by the legislature and codified by statute.

Some of the main differences between a misdemeanor and a felony are the potential consequences and sanctions that each one brings.

Misdemeanors can only bring potential jail time whereas felonies can bring prison sentences. Additionally, misdemeanors usually do not result in large fines or supervised probation whereas many felony offenses do result in those consequences.