Misdemeanor

A misdemeanor (American English,[1] spelled misdemeanour elsewhere) is any "lesser" criminal act in some common law legal systems.

Typically, misdemeanors are punished with prison time of no longer than one year, monetary fines, or community service.

[6] In the United States, the federal government generally considers a crime punishable with incarceration for not more than one year, or lesser penalty, to be a misdemeanor.

The distinction between felonies and misdemeanors has been abolished by several common law jurisdictions, notably the UK[8] and Australia.

Depending on the jurisdiction, examples of misdemeanors may include: petty theft, prostitution, public intoxication, simple assault, disorderly conduct, trespass, shoplifting, vandalism, reckless driving, indecent exposure, forcible touching, and possession of cannabis for personal use.

For example, in some jurisdictions the crime of indecent exposure might normally be classified as a misdemeanor, but be charged as a felony when committed in front of a minor.

[20] People who are convicted of misdemeanors are often punished with probation, community service, short jail term, or part-time incarceration such as a sentence that may be served on the weekends.

The United States Constitution provides that the President may be impeached and subsequently removed from office if found guilty by Congress for "high crimes and misdemeanors".