What distinguishes a 'misdemeanor' from a felony?

A misdemeanor is characterized by being a less serious crime compared to a felony, and it is punishable by less than one year of imprisonment or by fines. This distinction is fundamental in criminal law, as it establishes the framework for the severity and consequences of different types of offenses.

In many jurisdictions, misdemeanors often involve relatively minor incidents or offenses such as petty theft, simple assault, or vandalism, which typically result in shorter sentences or fines instead of long-term prison sentences. This is opposed to felonies, which are more severe crimes that can lead to longer prison terms, often exceeding one year.

Understanding this distinction helps to clarify the legal consequences individuals face depending on the classification of their offense, which in turn influences legal proceedings and potential punishments. The other options misrepresent the nature of misdemeanors, as they imply that misdemeanors are necessarily violent, cannot be punished, or always result in jail time, which is not accurate within the context of criminal law.