---
title: "What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Bristol County?"
description: "Misdemeanors carry maximum penalties up to 2.5 years house of correction. Felonies carry state prison exposure over 2.5 years. Misdemeanor cases stay in District Court (New Bedford, Fall River,..."
url: https://massduiguy.com/faq-items/what-is-the-difference-between-a-misdemeanor-and-a-felony-in-bristol-county/
date: 2026-07-01
modified: 2026-07-01
author: "Criminal Defense Attorney Rory Munns"
type: avada_faq
lang: en
---

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

Misdemeanors carry maximum penalties up to 2.5 years house of correction. Felonies carry state prison exposure over 2.5 years. Misdemeanor cases stay in District Court (New Bedford, Fall River, Taunton, Attleboro). Felony cases arraign at District Court and then bind over to Bristol Superior Court after indictment.