Misdemeanor

A misdemeanor is a category of criminal offense that is generally considered less serious than a felony but more serious than an infraction. These crimes typically carry lesser penalties, which often include fines, short jail sentences (usually less than a year, served in a local rather than state facility), probation, community service, or a combination thereof. The specific classification and penalties for misdemeanors vary significantly depending on the jurisdiction and the nature of the offense.