Types of Criminal Cases Handled: What You Need to Know When Facing Charges

Explore the five main types of criminal cases handled by attorneys: felonies, misdemeanors, inchoate offenses, strict liability crimes, and capital offenses. Understand their differences, real-world examples, and how legal strategy makes all the difference.

Imagine the criminal justice system like a hospital. Not every case is a life-or-death emergency, but each one needs the right kind of care. Some are like scrapes, easily treated and forgotten. Others are more serious, requiring surgery and a long recovery. Criminal cases work the same way. Some offenses carry short jail time or fines, while others can take away your freedom for life, or even end it.

If you or someone you love is facing criminal charges, understanding the type of case is the first step toward the right defense. Let’s walk through the different types of criminal cases handled in court, how they work, and why the details matter more than you might think.

Felonies: The Most Serious Crimes with Life-Changing Consequences

Felonies are the most severe type of criminal offense. These include crimes like murder, rape, robbery, and arson—offenses that can lead to long-term imprisonment, steep fines, and permanent loss of rights (like voting or owning a firearm). In many states, felony sentences start at one year or more in state or federal prison, not county jail.

Let’s say someone is convicted of armed robbery. That’s not just theft—it involves a weapon and the threat of violence. The law treats this as a felony because of the danger it presents to others. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, over 70% of felony defendants face incarceration if convicted.

Felonies are classified further—first-degree (most severe), second-degree, and third-degree. The level depends on factors like whether the act was planned, if someone was hurt, or if a weapon was used.

Misdemeanors: Still Serious, but Less Severe

Misdemeanors are less serious than felonies, but shouldn’t be taken lightly. These include offenses like petty theft, disorderly conduct, public intoxication, and simple assault. They typically result in less than one year in jail, usually served in county jail, along with fines, probation, or community service.

For example, a person caught shoplifting under $500 worth of goods may face a misdemeanor charge. While it might not sound major, it still results in a criminal record that can affect employment, housing, and reputation.

The law often gives judges more flexibility with misdemeanor cases. Many first-time offenders may be eligible for diversion programs that avoid jail time altogether, especially if the crime was non-violent.

Inchoate Offenses: Crimes That Were Attempted or Planned

Inchoate offenses are incomplete crimes—ones that were started but not finished. Think of them as criminal “blueprints.” The most common types are attempt, conspiracy, and solicitation. These are still punishable because the intent and actions to commit the crime are present, even if the final act didn’t happen.

Here’s a simple example: two people plan to rob a bank. They’re caught before it happens, with blueprints, weapons, and plans in hand. That’s a conspiracy charge—even though the bank was never robbed. Courts take this seriously because it shows the offenders were preparing to act illegally.

According to legal scholars, inchoate crimes often carry reduced penalties compared to completed offenses, but they can still result in prison time, especially when dangerous plans are involved.

Strict Liability Offenses: When Intent Doesn’t Matter

Strict liability offenses are crimes where the court doesn’t care whether the person meant to commit the act or not. If it happened, you’re responsible. These are usually low-level offenses, but they’re common and can still cause trouble.

Take speeding, for example. If you’re driving 15 mph over the limit, you can’t argue you didn’t know—it still counts. The same applies to selling alcohol to a minor, even if the buyer used a fake ID.

Strict liability laws are based on public safety. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 42,000 traffic-related deaths occurred in 2021, which is why laws around traffic and product safety are enforced even without proof of intent.

Capital Offenses: The Crimes with the Highest Stakes

Capital offenses are the most extreme crimes, such as first-degree murder and treason. These cases are rare but heavily scrutinized because they carry the death penalty or life without parole. States differ on how they handle capital punishment, with some banning it entirely and others applying it in very limited circumstances.

A capital case isn’t just another trial—it involves a two-phase process: one to decide guilt and another to decide the sentence. Defendants in capital cases often get extra protections, including multiple appeals and mandatory reviews.

According to the Death Penalty Information Center, 23 states have abolished the death penalty, but it remains legal in others, showing how divided the country is on this issue

Case Study: When a Misdemeanor Becomes Life-Altering

The Situation:
Jessica, a 21-year-old college student, was arrested for shoplifting makeup from a local store. The items were worth $150—a misdemeanor offense in her state.

Step 1: Arrest and Booking
Jessica was taken to the county jail and released on bail. She had never been in trouble before.

Step 2: Legal Counsel and Case Review
She hired a criminal defense attorney who discovered the store’s video evidence was blurry and didn’t clearly show the theft.

Step 3: Negotiation with Prosecutors
The defense attorney met with prosecutors and argued for a diversion program due to lack of clear evidence and Jessica’s clean record.

Step 4: Case Outcome
Jessica entered a 6-month diversion program involving community service and theft awareness classes. After successful completion, the charge was dismissed.

Result:
No conviction. No record. Jessica was able to continue school and apply for jobs without the stigma of a criminal history.

Lesson:
Even “small” charges can have big impacts. Having the right strategy and guidance makes all the difference.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can a misdemeanor ever be upgraded to a felony?
   Yes. If new evidence shows a more serious act (like a weapon was involved), prosecutors can refile the charge as a felony.
   
   
2. Is a felony conviction permanent?
   In most cases, yes. Felonies remain on your record unless they’re expunged, which is only possible under certain conditions and in some states.
   
   
3. Can you be charged with an inchoate offense and the actual crime?
   Sometimes, yes—but the court may only convict on one to avoid double punishment for the same act.
   
   
4. Why do strict liability laws exist?
   They prioritize public safety by discouraging carelessness, especially in areas like traffic safety and food or drug regulations.
   
   
5. What happens if someone is wrongly charged with a capital offense?
   They are entitled to legal protections, including appeals, DNA testing (if applicable), and access to public defenders or court-appointed attorneys to ensure justice.