Many offenses can be charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor. A felony is more serious than a misdemeanor. If you were convicted of the felony version of an offense, you may petition the court to reduce the severity of the offense to a misdemeanor. Generally, the court wants to see that you have paid restitution and a significant period has elapsed since the conviction. Some offenses, especially certain sex and drug offenses, exist only as felonies and cannot be reduced. Additionally, if you were sentenced to state prison, you are not eligible to have your felony reduced to a misdemeanor.