What is a misdemeanor?

• A. A crime that always carries long imprisonment
• B. A civil infraction with no fines
• C. A crime that is not as serious as a felony but that still can result in fines and an arrest
• D. A traffic violation only

Answer: (C)

The concept being tested is how offenses are classified by severity and the penalties they carry. A misdemeanor is a crime that is not as serious as a felony but can still be punished with fines and the possibility of arrest. In many places, misdemeanors can lead to up to a year in jail, plus fines or probation, though exact penalties vary by jurisdiction. This distinguishes them from felonies, which carry heavier punishments, and from civil infractions (or traffic tickets), which are not crimes and typically involve only fines or non-criminal penalties. While some traffic-related offenses can be misdemeanors in certain cases, most traffic violations are infractions rather than misdemeanors.