Legal Question in Criminal Law in Mississippi

Re: felony

Some crimes are both misdemeanors and felonies, depending on the facts. For example, shoplifting is a misdemeanor unless the value of the merchandise stolen equals or exceeds $500.00 ; or unless the offense is a third offense shoplifting which is a felony regardless of the value of the merchandise stolen. Possession of Marijuana is a misdemeanor if it is less than one (1) ounce but if the defendant transfers the marijuana it is a felony regardless of the quantity.

A Felony carries a sentence of one (1) year or more in the State Penitentiary while a misdemeanor carries a sentence of up to one (1) year in the County Jail.

The difference is significant in other ways. A person convicted of a felony cannot ever carry a firearm again. Also, the convicted felon loses the right to vote.