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term:

Misdemeanor

misdemeanor n

: a crime that carries a less severe punishment than a felony
;specif
: a crime punishable by a fine and by a term of imprisonment not to be served in a penitentiary and not to exceed one year compare felony

Source: Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary of Law ©1996. Merriam-Webster, Incorporated. Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.

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