Misdemeanor Legal Meaning and Definition

Here is a simplified definition of the legal term Misdemeanor.

Misdemeanor (noun) refers to a category of crimes that are less serious than felonies. Examples include petty theft, minor assaults, traffic offenses, and creating public nuisances. While they don't warrant harsh punishments like a felony, misdemeanors can lead to penalties such as fines or short-term jail sentences.