A misdemeanor is a type of offense punishable under criminal law. A misdemeanor is typically a crime punishable by less than 12 months in jail. Community service, probation, fines, and imprisonment for less than a year are commonly issued punishments for misdemeanors. More grievous crimes, felonies, carry stiffer penalties, including jail time of more than 12 months. Many states classify misdemeanors under different categories depending on the seriousness of the crime and its punishment. In most cases, if a misdemeanor is not classified by a letter grade in the section defining it, the misdemeanor is classified as follows:
- Class A: if the maximum term of imprisonment authorized is one year or less but more than six months.
- Class B: if the maximum term of imprisonment authorized is six months or less but more than thirty days.
- Class C: if the maximum term of imprisonment authorized is thirty days or less but more than five days.
However, some states do not classify misdemeanors by categories. Thus, the sentencing is made on a crime-by-crime basis.
[Last updated in August of 2021 by the Wex Definitions Team]