misdemeanor

[ mis-di-mee-ner ]

noun

1. Law. a criminal offense defined as less serious than a felony.
2. an instance of misbehavior; misdeed.

misdemeanor

1. A minor crime, punishable by a fine or a light jail term. Common misdemeanors, such as traffic violations, are usually dealt with informally, without a trial. ( Compare felony .)

Word History and Origins

Origin of misdemeanor¹

First recorded in 1480–90; mis- ¹ + demeanor

Example Sentences

Friday and booked on a misdemeanor charge, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

From Los Angeles Times

Hochman’s prosecutors will also again be able to file charges in minor crimes including trespassing, public intoxication and simple drug possession, misdemeanor cases Gascón stopped his staff from seeking in an effort to reduce the jail population and direct resources to more serious offenses.

From Los Angeles Times

The policy shift under Hochman will affect only jurisdictions that don’t have their own city prosecutors to handle misdemeanor cases.

From Los Angeles Times

Voters overwhelmingly passed Proposition 36, which will allow some misdemeanor theft and drug possession to be treated as felonies, with longer prison and jail sentences.

From Los Angeles Times

The 20-year-old Torrance man was arrested Sunday night and was booked on suspicion of felony hit and run and misdemeanor exhibition of speed.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• offense
• transgression
• violation