Misdemeanors are lesser criminal offenses than felonies, typically punished by fines or short jail terms. Common examples include minor theft and disorderly conduct. They carry more severe penalties than administrative or regulatory infractions but are less serious than felonies, playing a key role in common law legal systems.
David Hunter - Logo
(281) 265-1515

Misdemeanor

Misdemeanor

A misdemeanor (spelled misdemeanour in Commonwealth English) is any “lesser” criminal act in some common law legal systems. Misdemeanors are generally punished less severely than felonies, but theoretically more so than administrative infractions (also known as minor, petty or summary offences) and regulatory offences. Many misdemeanors are punished with monetary fines.