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Misdemeanor
What is a
misdemeanor?
A
misdemeanor is a "lesser" criminal act. Misdemeanors are generally
punished much less severely than felonies, but
theoretically misdemeanors are punished more so than administrative infractions (also known as
regulatory offenses). Many misdemeanors are punished with monetary
fines.
In the United States, the federal government generally considers a crime
punishable with incarceration for one year or less to be a misdemeanor.
All other crimes are felonies. Many states also
follow this consideration.
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The distinction between a felony
and misdemeanor has been
abolished by most other
common law
jurisdictions.
In some jurisdictions, those who are convicted of a misdemeanor are
known as misdemeanants (those convicted of a felony
who are known as felons). Depending on the jurisdiction, examples of
misdemeanors may include:
- Petty
theft
- Prostitution
- Public intoxication
- Simple assault
- Disorderly conduct
- Trespass
- Vandalism
- Drug possession
- DUI
- other similar crimes
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In the United States,
misdemeanors are crimes with a maximum punishment of 12 months of
incarceration, typically in a local jail (again, as contrasted with
felons, who are typically incarcerated in a prison). Those convicted of
misdemeanors are often punished with probation, community service or
part-time imprisonment, served on the weekends. |
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