Misdemeanor

"Lesser" criminal act in some common law legal systems

A misdemeanor (American English, 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, summary offenses, or civil infractions) and regulatory offenses. Typically, misdemeanors are punished with prison time of no longer than one year, monetary fines, or community service.

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