Both concepts are legal categories in criminal law. The main difference is that for a misdemeanor, one can be sentenced to a maximum of twelve-month imprisonment, for a felony, the imprisonment can be in excess of this amount of time. An assault falls under the category of misdemeanor; if a threatening to do harm to someone remains a threat only. If it resulted in a bodily injury, it is a felony. As for thefts, whether it is a felony or a misdemeanor, it depends on the value of the cash or that of the property stolen. In regard to traffic violations, speeding, driving without license or insurance or driving under the influence and so on, are misdemeanor, however, if you cause an accident and you leave the scene without offering help, it is a felony. To sum up, felonies are more serious crimes.
