Define: Misdemeanour

A crime, less serious than a felony, punishable by no more than one year in jail. Petty theft (of articles worth less than a certain amount), first-time drunk driving and leaving the scene of an accident are all common misdemeanors.

A misdemeanour is a crime which is less serious than a felony. Common misdemeanours include petty theft, driving without a license, trespassing and disorderly conduct. In the United States, a crime punishable by incarceration for a year or less is generally considered by the Federal Government to be a misdemeanour.

Generally, the difference between a felony and a misdemeanour is the penalties for each conviction. Most misdemeanours will require the convicted person to pay fines, serve a short jail term, perform community service or serve probation.

Although a misdemeanour can be less serious than a felony, they may be difficult to expunge from your criminal record. For instance, drunk driving may be considered a misdemeanour but in some states, it can never be expunged and may be reviewed by a prospective employer who performs a background check. Unfortunately, in a competitive job market, even a misdemeanour may be enough for an employer to deny employment.

This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.

This glossary post was last updated: 29th March, 2024.