Misdemeanor

Misdemeanors are "lesser" criminal acts which are generally punished less severely than felonies; but more so than infractions. Those who are convicted of a misdeameanor are known as misdemeanants. Examples of misdemeanors include: petty theft, prostitution, simple assault, trespass, vandalism, and the like. In general, misdemeanors are crimes with a maximum punishment of less than one year imprisonment. Misdemeanants are often punished with either community service or part-time imprisonment, served on the weekends.

See also: summary offence