Felonies, Gross Misdemeanors, and Misdemeanors
In Minnesota, Crimes Are Divided Into Three Categories: Felonies, Gross Misdemeanors and Misdemeanors.
Felonies
By definition, a felony is a crime that is punishable by at least one year and one day (366 days) of prison. Felonies also carry the potential for significant fines. Perhaps more important than the threat of facing significant jail time is the effect of a felony conviction on your record. Many employers will not employ someone with a felony on their record. In many cases, federal law prohibits a convicted felon from owning any sort of firearm.
Examples of felonies include possession of schedule II narcotics (cocaine, methamphetamine, etc.), homicide, rape, theft over $500, and many others.
In Minnesota, you have a Constitutional right to a trial with twelve jurors for a felony.
An experienced lawyer is often able to avoid a felony conviction in many cases, either by having charges dismissed, winning at trial, or negotiating a plea that will not leave you with a felony on your record for the rest of your life.
Gross Misdemeanor
In Minnesota, a Gross Misdemeanor is punishable by up to one year in jail and a $3,000 fine. Sometimes repeat offenders can be charged with a Gross Misdemeanor if they have a prior misdemeanor convictions of certain crimes, like domestic abuse for example. In Minnesota, a Second or Third Degree DWI is a Gross Misdemeanor. A Gross Misdemeanor is one step under a felony.
In Minnesota, you have a Constitutional right to a trial with six jurors for a Gross Misdemeanor and Misdemeanor, but the Judge, at his or her discretion, may give your twelve jurors.
Misdemeanor
In Minnesota, a Misdemeanor is punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. Examples of misdemeanors include a Fourth Degree DWI, Fifth Degree Assault, Fifth Degree Domestic Assault, and many others.
Petty Misdemeanor
In Minnesota, a Petty Misdemeanor is not a crime, because it is not punishable by jail time (only a fine). Examples include parking tickets, most speeding tickets, and possession of a very small amount of marijuana.