Since medieval times, we have been playing games for leisure, to hone our skill and, well, win some cash. But out of thousands of games available both online and in the form of gaming boards, block games seem to take the top position. The game’s origin is traced back to Poland at the dawn of the 20th century when Klotski was created.

The original block puzzle, Kloski, was made up of ten blocks of different sizes, which were slid in predefined locations by players. However, as time went by, a computerized version of the block puzzle was invented in 1991 for Windows 3.1 operating system. The game was also included in Windows Entertainment Pack and solid under different names. Having said that, let us get down to the history of the block puzzle and see how time has forged the game to be a 21st-century entertainment block.

History of Block Puzzle

It is not clear who were the original inventors of block puzzles and which version of the game was the first to be played. Some sources claim the game was founded in Poland under the name Klotcki. On the other hand, some materials claim that ancient civilizations brought the game to life. Despite the lack of directional answers to trace the origin of block puzzles, we found reliable information quoting that the game was invented in Chicago, Illinois, in early 1900.

To fully understand the history of the block puzzle, let’s travel back to the 1800s. During the 19th century, block puzzles enjoyed huge fellowship, and around this time, the game’s patents started appearing. In 1893 Henry Walton filled for a patent for a puzzle block. His game was made of the same-sized rectangles. According to Edward Hordern, a renowned puzzle solver, Walton was the original inventor of the game.

A few years later, in 1900, Frank E. Moss patented another block puzzle. This sliding block puzzle was, however, different from Walton’s game. While Walton’s original game had identical rectangles, Moss’ puzzle had four and six squares and rectangles, respectively. This invention spelled the beginning of non-identical puzzles, which too are still in use today.

Nine years later, in 1909, another revolutionary patent was filed by Lewis W Hardy. Hardy was the inventor of Pennant Puzzle, which was heavily produced by OK Novelty Co., a company in Chicago in the preceding years. This puzzle shared many similarities with Klotski.

Halfway across the globe, the Chinese too were making steady advancements in the gaming industry. Similar to the Kloski puzzle was the Chinese version of the game known as Huarong Road. This game was more engaging since it was adorned with pictures of victors and villains of dynasties, especially the Han Dynasty.

The Chinese version of the block puzzle had 1 by 2 cells and measured 4 by 5. Though most people claim that the game was first spotted in Japan during the Showa period, some sources still hold on to the Chinese as the Asian founders of the game. According to online sources, the game was seen in Shaanxi province as being played by young gamers. These gamers used a piece of paper as blocks.

Backing the Chinese block puzzle story is a book written by Northwestern Polytechnical University professor Jiāng Cháng Yīng. This book (Science Pastime) was written to describe Kloski in 1949.

In Britain too, block puzzles were taking shape but in a different form. A patent was obtained by John Herold Fleming in 1934. In his patent, the game was described as the duplicate of forget-me-not only with a few differences on the horizontal lock. Also, in his patent was a step-by-step process of solving the puzzle.

From the USA to Asia to England, nobody really knows where the current version of block puzzles roots from. We can only speculate that all the above parties played an important role in pushing the game to world status.

The Software Version of the Bock Puzzle

The earliest computerized block puzzle was created by Jim Bates. This was in the late ’80s, and several years down the line, many versions of the game were graphically developed. Currently, you can get the game as free or purchasable versions. Furthermore, you can play the games on any device using android or Apple OS.

Block games are a mysterious game with a deep history spanning back to the 19th century across America, Europe, and Asia. Currently, you can download it online and enjoy it on any device; thanks to the many years of development the game went through.

What is the difference between living in Asia and living in the USA

The most obvious difference is the cultural and social values and how they are expressed. When you visit America, take a look at some of the ads on TV or in magazines. Notice how consumer-oriented American culture tends to be; that is, it is more about what kind of product will do me good than about who I am as a person.

One example would be an ad for a pill that promises to make people thin: this focuses on something other than nourishment or health. People feel they must choose between purchasing all kinds of different products to fit into society successfully, not realizing that what truly makes them happy has nothing to do with material consumption.

Why do people immigrate to the United States from other countries

Some people immigrate with the idea of starting a business or achieving success in the US that they couldn’t perform at home because of social and cultural barriers. Others are attracted by lower living costs, better educational opportunities for their children, and freedom from religious persecution that would otherwise be imposed on them in their homeland.

People come to America seeking safety, freedom, economic prosperity, and happiness. But many immigrants have found hardship instead of the “American Dream.” Some were misled into believing in myths about what awaits them when they arrive in this country. Many came without money but with plenty of hope, only to find themselves destitute upon arrival or soon afterward. And some suffered physically and emotionally during the arduous trip across the ocean to America.

What are some of the challenges that immigrants face when they come to America

When you are born in a country like Vietnam or China, you don’t have many opportunities to get the career jobs most Americans enjoy every day. People from Asia usually have to work very hard to survive each day without having much extra money left over at the end of the day. There is a different environment in America that allows people to take their jobs more seriously and work hard to get promotions or higher paychecks each month. You cannot depend on the government for food stamps or welfare checks in many other places, so it’s challenging for you to live comfortably without having a steady job that pays well.

Another thing that you notice when you move to America, everything here works better than it did in the country where you were born. In Asia, everyone’s very busy trying to make a living, so they don’t have time for other people. It seems like everyone wants to take advantage of others there; here, there’s a lot more trust and fairness between different kinds of people who live together.

How does immigration affect culture, politics, and the economy?

Many countries require that potential immigrants be skilled, wealthy, or highly educated. Others favor the relatives of current residents and citizens over others. The United States has always had a different approach to immigration. It welcomes anyone who wants to come here as long as they are not dangerous criminals and are willing to work hard at low-skilled jobs for modest wages while learning English.

The United States has always had a different approach to immigration. It welcomes anyone who wants to come here as long as they are not dangerous criminals and are willing to work hard at low-skilled jobs for modest wages while learning English. The melting pot, or the idea that immigrants can become Americans even though they still have their customs and cultural traits, is very much part of American history.

Does immigration have a positive or negative impact on society

Immigration is a global phenomenon fueled by social, economic, political, and religious factors. With its robust economy and stringent immigration policies, the US is the destination of many immigrants from Asia.

It is a basic human right and a national privilege. It is also a critical component of the global economy, as immigrants contribute to national growth by bringing new skills and ideas in fields such as business, medicine, technology, and science.

Do you believe that additional limits on immigration into America should be implemented?

The issue of immigration is a controversial one. The United States has always had immigration because we are a nation founded by immigrants. However, over the past few decades, there has been a significant increase in illegal immigration and legal immigration from countries all over the world.

The biggest problem with immigration and the one that nobody wants to talk about is that there is now a large population living on welfare and food stamps, taking away valuable tax dollars from paying for functions such as public education. People immigrating into America want what we have here—good jobs, good schools, good roads, good safety, etc.—but they don’t want to pay their fair share for it. This may be OK when there aren’t too many people doing this, but in California alone, 1 million illegal aliens draw over $7 billion in benefits from welfare and food stamps. This money should be allocated to pay for schools, health care, infrastructure maintenance, and police services. These people are taking things that Americans have worked hard for without paying their fair share like everyone else has had to do.

For more information, you may ask or consult with Houston immigration lawyers.

 

As K-12 students get ready for in-person learning, parents want to know how to help their child succeed in core subjects like math. There are worries about learning loss during the pandemic. It is important for a child and their parents to know that some measure of falling behind is normal. As divorced couples attempt to co-parent, without having to argue and hire a local divorce lawyer to settle their differences, getting a child prepared for the challenging learning during COVID is a great first step.

The pandemic has led children and parents to be frustrated, sad, and angry. Emotions have impacted academic learning. They will continue to impact achievement in the coming year.

Parents can help by adopting a positive attitude. They should encourage their child to move forward.

It is OK for a parent to assist and guide their child’s academic work at home. This helps ensure their child receives guidance and support out of the classroom. It is fine to show approval and provide rewards when a child completes academic work.

Create a reward system

Schools often reward students who complete work on time with approval and small prizes. Parents can do this too. Yet it’s a good idea to move away from buying things. A parent can create a “sticker card” for the week. Award a smiley face or sticker of the child’s choice when the child gets certain tasks done. Other rewards can include fake gold coins, the chance to watch a favorite video, a short walk outside, the chance to shoot some hoops with the parent, and the chance to engage in a cooking or arts and crafts activity with the parent.

Reading aloud works

A child’s reading skills and ability to present to others improve when they read aloud. Sit with your child and alternate reading pages in a book of their choice. It will ease their anxiety if you or they choose a book that is at or slightly below grade level. Your child may want to take the lead and read a full page. Avoid correcting mistakes until after the child completes a page.

Repetition helps math skills

Look at the state standards for your child’s math instruction. See what skills your child needs to be learning. Then research and print out worksheets that drill them on exercises for the skills. If your child has an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), review the plan and their current progress in the subject.

Before your child starts work, give them scratch paper. Encourage them to use a lot of it to show their work. Look over the work to see what mistakes they may be making. It’s a good idea to find online resources that have answer keys.

Later you may want to time your child on certain exercises. If your child does not do the whole worksheet, make sure they do several of the easiest problems, a few of the middle-range problems, and two or three of the hardest problems. This gets them used to not everything being easy.

Art extensions relieve stress

In class, teachers often assign art activities that relate to a reading, science, or math unit. Students draw, paint, or cut up materials after the initial work is done. The “art extension” from the primary activity helps students relax. Then they understand the concepts in the primary activity better.

It is a great idea for a parent to ask their child to draw a picture or make a craft after the child practices the primary activity. For example, if a child is learning to subtract, they could draw pictures where there is a group of things, and some of the items disappear. Such as a picture of a tree full of 17 apples, then a picture of two children picking apples from the tree, and finally a picture of the tree with only three apples left.

The child can write the equation: “17 – 3 = 14” at the bottom. The parent should put the child’s work on display in the kitchen or another place where family members can see it and talk about it. Even if the artwork itself is not superb, the fact that the child connected art and mathematics is amazing.

 

Flat roofs have numerous advantages. They are stylish and can be a space you can convert for numerous other uses. These aside, flat roofs are much safer to be on than sloped ones, more so when you use a guardrail system to minimize or eliminate hazards.

However, these advantages do not come without some work. Flat roofs might require some extra effort to keep them in good shape and well maintained. Here, learn five maintenance tips to help you achieve this.

Have It Inspected Periodically

Many business owners and homeowners fail to have regular checks on their roofs, which is problematic. Regular checks ensure budding problems are caught and repaired before they snowball into more significant and often more expensive problems.

A flat roof should be inspected at least thrice a year, more often if there are trees near it. Schedule these checks after a snowfall and heavy rainfall, as these can damage the roof. Keep an eye out for cracks, pooling water, blisters, and anything that’s out of the ordinary.

Keep It Clean

Flat roofs take more debris than sloped ones that might allow dirt and debris to roll off or be washed off when it rains. Ensure to clear your roof of all debris, leaves, and dirt before and after every winter.

Luckily, flat roofs are easier to be on than slanted ones, and cleaning them will not always require specialized help or equipment. Clean the draining system as well to ensure it expels water as it should. If they are clogged and don’t do this, not only do you get pools, but the standing water places unnecessary weight on the roof.

Trim Back Trees

Trees that are too close to your roof will drop leaves on them, preserve moisture on the surface of the roof and rub and scrape your roof.

Trees can also encourage moss to grow and spread on your roof. If you have large trees that grow too close, ensure to trim them back occasionally to protect the roof.

Manage Leaks Promptly

Leaks will typically be around seams and flashing. If your roof has a leak or a crack anywhere, get in the professionals right away.

Leaks never go away on their own and get more serious, causing more damage the longer they remain there. These should be taken care of immediately as they can also damage the building’s structure, not just the roofing.

Keep an Eye on the Weight

Generally, flat roofs are built sturdy enough to withstand the necessary weight and elements of a particular location. It’s therefore very rare for a roof to collapse from excessive weight. Either way, find out from the installers how much weight it can handle and keep the limits.

A properly installed flat roof can serve you for decades with proper maintenance. Use these tips as pointers to get you on the right track.

The law of conservation of energy states that energy can neither be created nor destroyed. What’s this have to do with online tarot readings, you ask? Everything. The logistics that are in question for online tarot readings are put to rest with the law of conservation of energy. A tarot psychic does not have to be in the same physical space as you to serve your needs and work with your energy because it is and always has been already there. The simple, short, and relieving answer is, with a professional psychic, anything is possible.

Why Psychic Companies Are Working Online

As you might imagine, many psychic companies moved online just like most businesses did at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Much of the world opted for a safer work environment wherein they could still operate efficiently and effectively. Thankfully, a psychic tarot reading can work online just as easily as in a physical space.

However, the pandemic is not the only reason that many psychic companies are online. To be clear, there is still some stigma involved with psychic readings, despite it being a recognized professional business service. Companies discovered that many clients were more willing to work with a professional psychic online because they did not have to travel to a reading.

Many people shared that they had unfounded fears or latent embarrassment about seeking guidance from a psychic until they requested and participated in the services. Now, of course, they wouldn’t change a thing but the first few steps of something new can be very challenging. Being stationed online allows more access to a broader audience.

How Psychic Readings Can Better Your Life

Any additional insight into your life and how it can improve is generally considered a win. No matter your belief system, using your time to parse out aspects of your life that you do not understand and that you wish to uncover is time well spent. It is also true that sometimes, despite all the best efforts and counsel of our family and friends, there are still unanswered questions. The best psychics online can work with you to uncover long-buried answers or to investigate your role more deeply or simply just look closer.

But What About the Shuffle?

Online tarot psychics shared that the number one concern amongst clients was “the shuffle.” In explanation, the shuffling of the tarot deck is often done by the person whose cards are being read. This act of shuffling is considered by some to transfer their energy to the cards to direct the psychic love reading. Professional tarot psychics disagree. The performance aspect of the shuffling transferring between reader and client is largely performative. This act is meant to deepen the connection of the client and has little to do with the connection of energy the reader has with the deck and the client.

When booking your session with a professional tarot psychic online, remember that your energy is already present everywhere. Your psychic does not require your touch to shuffle the cards for an accurate reading but does need you to communicate and keep an open mind, no matter your locale.

 

If you’re looking to start a new career where you get to work with your hands, metal working might be something you want to consider. However, because this type of work is very specialized and can be dangerous if you’re not careful, it’s important that you know what you’re getting yourself into to ensure that this is the type of career that you can handle and will enjoy.

To help you see if this might be the right fit for you, here are three things to consider before starting a job in metal working.

Make Sure You Have The Right Tools

While you might like the idea of working with metal and creating items or projects that require that you work with metal, you won’t really know if this is something that will be a good type of work for you until you try your hand at some of the skills you’ll need. But to do this, you’ve got to ensure that you have the right tools to work with.

Felicia Savage, a contributor to DailyWorkIt.com, shares that some of the tools you’ll need to get started with metal working include things like tin snips, a vise, a riveting hammer, a steel square, a hacksaw, a swivel flange, and more. Additionally, as you’re starting out, you’ll also want to fo some stick welding before you move onto other techniques and forms of welding, as they can be more specialized and complicated to start with than stick welding is.

Get The Proper Education And Training

Before you really start doing any metal work with the tools mentioned above, you’re going to need to ensure that you’ve gotten the proper education and training so that you actually know what you’re doing with these tools.

As part of your education and training, the editor of HomeBusinessMag.com shares that you should become a part of the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association. But because you won’t get all the education and training you need with just this, you’ll also want to get certified as a welder so that you know exactly what you’re doing and have the credentials to back it up.

Consider Your Business Acumen

Once you feel like you have all the knowledge and education you need to start working a job as a metal worker, you’ll need to decide if you want to work for yourself by starting your own business or if you want to work for someone else and their business.

According to Vicki Bell, a contributor to The Fabricator, many people who enjoy and do well with metal work don’t actually like all that comes along with being a business owner. So unless you have the business acumen in addition to your welding abilities, you may just want to work for someone else and keep your professional life a little more simple.

If you’re thinking about starting a new career as a metal worker, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you prepare to start this new journey.

Car collectors get to enjoy an engaging and fun pastime. The process of tracking down good buys and owning new, rare pieces is considered one of the most exciting aspects of being a collector.

One of the things you also need to do as a collector is keep up with the trends. This is especially true if you want to monetize your hobby.

Other collectors will be looking to buy specific cars for their collection, meaning you will make money faster if you have these.

Here are some die-cast collectibles you cannot go wrong with.

1. DieCast Police Cars

There is something about diecast police cars that make them an evergreen trend.

Some of these include the Ford Escape, Ford Taurus, Jeep Cherokee, Dodge Charger, Ford Crown Victoria Police Inceptor, and the Toyota Tacoma.

Basically, these are replicas of car models used currently by the police force. It’s unclear why these never go out of style. But maybe the excitement of police zooming in with flashing sirens does arouse a feeling of adventure in collectors.

2. Army Cars

Other models that always enjoy a favorable outlook are army cars.

There is little not to like about these. From their colors to the show of might they stand for in the real world, it’s no doubt that most collectors want to have a few of these.

You also get a pick on the country from which you want a die-cast army car. Some options available are French, German, Australian army aviation pieces, US army desert version, and so on.

3. Limousines

Off the battlefield are die-cast cars that speak to some luxury. Aside from their luxurious feel in real life, collectors of limos can also be lovers of the vehicle in real life.

The fact that this car can be bought and used as an everyday car only adds to its appeal.

Collectors can look for the famous town car, a Cadillac, Lincoln Benz, the Cadillac presidential limo, and so on.

Whatever your taste is, adding a few limos to your collections will definitely add an aristocratic air to your collection.

4. Trucks

These are top favorites for people that love big, off-the-track vehicles. They connote strength and adventure, and you can make a good return on them for rare models.

The trucks category comprises models like the Jeep, ExTerminator Chevrolet, Ford Ranger, Vandura Van, Land Rover, Mac trailers. Emergency trucks and ambulances are also included in this list.

These are some top die-cast collectibles to consider adding to your collection. As always, do your due diligence and ensure to only buy from trusted sources. This guarantees authenticity.

If possible, keep the cars in their original packaging to ensure they remain in top condition. This will ensure you get a good price for it in future.

Interior design is becoming ever more popular these days as we’re constantly evolving and changing our minds and wanting our homes to reflect our tastes and personalities. This of course means that our living spaces undergo the occasional transformation, as much as our budgets allow, anyway.

Sometimes it’s something small like giving the walls a new lick of paint, other times it’s a bigger job like landscaping the back garden, or installing a new kitchen perhaps (with the help of a professional, obviously).

Should you have the itch to take your interior design skills up a notch without breaking the bank, then keep reading this article as we are going to share with you our top 30 clever tricks and tips on how you can flaunt your personality without breaking the bank!

1. While changing the flooring in a room might sound expensive, it really doesn’t have to. There are so many options that don’t cost the earth. Whether you go for a simple wood flooring, or perhaps tiles, or carpet. The choices are endless!

2. Mix and match your dining chairs to create a bit of variety. You could even go to a recycling centre or charity shop to really mix it up!

3. Coat one wall of your room in a bright colour to create a feature wall.

4. There’s no limit to how creative you can get with floating shelves! Perhaps your kitchen needs more storage space or your home office just doesn’t have the room for filing cabinets.

5. String garden lights around the house. A great way to bring a bit of extra light into your garden, and what a fun way to do it!

6. Add a few framed photographs on a wall to instantly add character and personality to your home.

7. Contrasting colours or materials never go unnoticed and are a wonderful way to generate changes…and a splash of colour to brighten up your home.

8. Paint your dining chairs or old, worn out cupboard to create a fresh new look.

9. Create a feature wall with wallpaper that looks like a rustic brick wall.

10. Sometimes all that’s needed to revive a room is a simple spring clean and tidy up session.

11. Chalkboard paint is not just for children’s rooms, you know!

12. Test your DIY skills and create a wreath for your front door.

13. Never underestimate the style power of some potted pretties. Flowers can instantly change the look and feel of a room.

14. While maps may only work for a particular taste, they can introduce a very savvy and interesting style to a home. If there is a place in the world that is special to you or your family, perhaps you could create a wall canvas of the area to remind you of its importance.

15. Wallpaper or a wall mural can instantly turn your entire bedroom’s look around.

16. Scout the garage sales for some recycled furniture pieces you can style up. A great way to find a bargain!

17. Give your bathroom a fresh feel by upgrading your bath/sink taps.

18. A coat rack creates a very welcoming entrance and is a great idea when it comes to filling an entrance hall. Plus, as it’s now getting in the colder, wetter months, it’s essential!

19. Mirrors not only make a space feel and look bigger, they can also help to cast light around the room making it feel more spacious.

20. A scatter cushion or two on your sofa can really brighten it up without breaking the bank.

21. Add a hanging plant to the corner of a room. Now that’s one element that will never go unnoticed and what a great way to get more foliage into a room without taking up vital space.

22. Take to the walls to show off your artistic side with a paintbrush and some stencils.

23. A simple wall clock can add an elegant touch to any room and the bigger the better in some cases. Why not make the clock the focal point!

24. Green walls or vertical gardens can enhance a home and inject a refreshing look and feel into your living spaces.

25. If you have a fireplace, why not add a wooden mantle piece to create a cottage style feel to your living pace.

26. Cute boxes and/or baskets can add colour and functionality to a space in need of some storage.

27. Change up the lighting in your room. Different styles of lighting can really change the look and feel of a room. Candles will make it feel romantic, warm and cozy. Spot lights will make it feel brighter and more open and floor uplighters will make the room feel brighter due to the light being aimed upwards.

28. A new rug is the quickest way to add personality to a room, not only will it be a treat for your feet!

29. Add smaller items of furniture to your room. For example a small bookcase to showcase your favourite books, or a side table to feature some special photographs on or perhaps your favourite plant. Don’t forget the little touches!

30. Get rid of those old curtains and get yourself some gorgeous wooden shutters. Shutters, or even a blind will make your room feel bigger and more spacious…and more modern!

We hope you found this article interesting and inspires you to get decorating!

 

Moving can make staying on top of all your technological needs difficult, to say the least. Knowing what services you need at your new home or business can be tricky with so many service providers out there.

To help you stay connected and know which services you need, we’ve put together this short guide to get more from your local telecom companies.

Identify Your Most Needed Services

When you move, especially to a completely new area, knowing where your local services are and how to get everything set up again can be frustrating. Even with major service providers, rules and stipulations can change by location.

The first thing to do to get yourself off on the right foot is to connect with a service that can provide you with information and resources about moving and connecting with local service providers

Once you know what your options are and you’re ready to get things set up again, you can figure out what services you want or need and how to go about getting them.

Paying For Services

Money is an important resource for most of us. This is especially true after a big move. Knowing the cost of services and what deals are out there can help you save money during those first few months in a new location.

Bundling services like internet, t.v. and cellular can be a good option depending on your needs. If you’re not doing a thorough investigation of what’s out there, you may wind up paying more than you should for the services you use. Even if you already have service providers in place and are happy with what you have, doing a little shopping around when you move can likely save you money or even give you more options than you previously had.

Adjust to Changes in Circumstance

This is often one of the hardest things to do after a move to a new location. You may find that your needs change from what you thought they were, to something entirely new.

You might be used to flying solo, so the services you need were fairly minimal since all you had to worry about was yourself. For instance, say you’re in a house and you now have multiple roommates, who for some reason seem to be hogging up all the bandwidth while you’re trying to work.

The first thing to check is that the internet provider you’re using is the right one for your area. You may find there are better options out there, now that your situation has changed. High-speed internet is a must for most people nowadays so it’s important to be open to changing providers or upping your plan to support more people if you find yourself in just such a situation.

The same is true for cell phones and t.v. plans. What worked then may not work now. It’s a good idea, in general, to check out the competition every few months to see what deals are being offered, what new services and packages have come out, and in what ways a different company might make your life easier or a bit more affordable.

Final Thoughts

It goes without saying that we have to have ways to keep in touch in today’s society. Knowing where to turn to get the services you need will go a long way in staying connected. No matter what changes life may bring.

Criminal offenses are classified as infractions, misdemeanors, or felonies. The major difference between the categories is the seriousness of the crime and the corresponding punishment. Infractions are the least serious, whereas felonies are the most serious criminal offenses.

Infractions

Infractions are also referred to as petty crimes. They are usually punishable by fines rather than a jail sentence. Infractions can be prosecuted without the accused person going to court. In most states, one can avoid a court appearance by paying the fine noted on his or her citation.

Infractions are usually local crimes related to parking, traffic laws, speed limits, anti-noise ordinances, littering, and building violations. Common traffic infractions include:

• Speeding
• Running a red light
• Failing to wear a seat belt
• Failing to yield
• Not signaling when turning

Disposing of trash improperly and running a business without a proper license can also be considered infractions.

Consequences of Infractions

Paying a ticket or fine is the common penalty for infractions. They usually do not lead to jail time unless the guilty party fails to pay the fine.

Depending on the type of infraction and how many times a person has been charged with a particular infraction, it could lead to an increase in auto insurance costs and mandatory attendance at a traffic school. Infractions could appear on an individual’s driving record but not his or her criminal record.

Misdemeanors

Misdemeanors are crimes with more severe penalties than infractions but less severe punishments than felonies. The maximum sentence for misdemeanors is a jail time of 12 months or less. People charged with misdemeanors usually have a right to a jury trial.

Many states have different levels or classifications of misdemeanors. The severity of the punishment is determined by the level of the misdemeanor.

Consequences of Misdemeanors

When a misdemeanor results in a sentence of incarceration, it is usually served in the local county or city jail. Misdemeanor convictions could result in payment of fines, doing community service, serving probation, and restitution.

The convictions will appear on the guilty person’s criminal record. One may also be legally required to state the particularities of his or her misdemeanor on college applications, loan applications, certain job applications, or during interviews.

Felonies

Felonies are the most serious criminal offenses. They often involve actual or threat of severe physical harm. Most states have different classes or degrees of felonies. Examples of felonies include murder, arson, rape, kidnapping, treason, drug manufacturing and distribution, manslaughter, grand theft, and aggravated assault.

A misdemeanor can be elevated to a felony. For example, driving under the influence is normally a misdemeanor. However, if the driver is a repeat offender or seriously injures or kills someone while driving under the influence, the offense could become a felony.

Consequences of Felonies

A felony conviction carries potential imprisonment of at least one year. In some cases, it could result in death or life imprisonment without parole. Felony sentences are usually served in prison. People who commit federal crimes and are convicted typically do time in the national prison system as opposed to state prison.

A felony conviction can also involve a large fine and restitution. Some convictions can be eligible for parole or probation. Felony convictions stay on a person’s criminal record and can limit employment opportunities and housing options.

One may not need a lawyer for minor infractions. Nevertheless, in most criminal cases, people need to use criminal defense attorneys. Criminal convictions can have severe long-term consequences. An attorney can help a person avoid conviction or get a better result and protect his or her rights.