---
title: "What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Massachusetts?"
description: "Under Massachusetts law, a felony is any offense punishable by a sentence to state prison. A misdemeanor is punishable only by a House of Correction sentence, a fine, or both. State prison sentences..."
url: https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-is-the-difference-between-a-misdemeanor-and-a-felony-in-massachusetts/
date: 2026-04-22
modified: 2026-04-22
author: "Bank and Munns"
type: avada_faq
lang: en
---

# What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Massachusetts?

Under Massachusetts law, a felony is any offense punishable by a sentence to state prison. A misdemeanor is punishable only by a House of Correction sentence, a fine, or both. State prison sentences are served at Department of Correction facilities, while House of Correction sentences are served at county facilities and cap at two and a half years. Practically, felony status affects firearm rights, many professional licenses, immigration consequences, and long-term employment. A **Massachusetts criminal defense lawyer** will push for charge reduction from felony to misdemeanor when the facts support it, because the downstream consequences are night and day.