A misdemeanor (American English, [1] spelled misdemeanour elsewhere) is any "lesser" criminal act in some common law legal systems. Misdemeanors are generally punished less severely than more serious felonies, but theoretically more so than administrative infractions (also known as minor, petty, or summary offences) and regulatory offences.

MISDEMEANOUR definition: 1. an action that is slightly bad or breaks a rule but is not a crime: 2. in the US, a crime that…. Learn more.

Jun 14, 2023 · Generally, any crimes with a maximum penalty of a year or less in prison are considered misdemeanor offenses. However, in some states, longer jail terms could apply. The statute...

In American law, a misdemeanor is “a crime less serious than a felony.” A felony is defined as “a federal crime for which the punishment may be death or imprisonment for more than a year.” As misdemeanor became more specific, crime became the more general term for any legal offense.

In Arizona, misdemeanors are a category of criminal offense. They are more severe than petty offenses, but less severe than felonies. There are 3 classes of misdemeanors, though none of them carry longer than 6 months in jail and 3 years of probation. Convictions also come with fines and other collateral consequences.

Jan 24, 2015 · While specific laws vary by jurisdiction, misdemeanors generally include such acts as disturbing the peace, petty theft, drunk driving with no injury to others, public drunkenness, simple assault and battery, and traffic violations.

Oct 24, 2024 · In the United States, misdemeanors are typically crimes that carry a maximum penalty of up to one year in jail, as opposed to felonies, which can result in a prison sentence of more than one year.

4 days ago · The meaning of MISDEMEANOUR is chiefly British spelling of misdemeanor.

Jan 23, 2025 · Misdemeanors are crimes less severe than felonies but more serious than infractions, impacting court procedures, potential sentences, and long-term effects on an individual’s life. This article examines the classifications of misdemeanors, the judicial process, penalties, and implications on one’s criminal record.

A misdemeanour is an act that some people consider to be wrong or unacceptable. She knew nothing about her husband's misdemeanours.