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Misdemeanors are seen as lesser crimes. They are not as severe as felonies, but they are more sever than administrative infractions. Most first time offenders are given only a fine. However, repeat offenders can serve probation, community service, or jail time. In the United States, crimes that are punishable by a year in jail or less are seen as misdemeanors. Some people believe that misdemeanors may result in loss of civil rights. This is not true. Although, you can be punished by losing priviliages such as a driver's license. People that recieve punishment for misdemeanors are usually reffered to as misdemeanants. There are many crimes classified as "misdemeanors." Here are just a few: Petty Theft, DUI, public intoxication, trespass, drug possesion, prostitution, simple assault, and other crimes of that nature. In the United States, there are different classes of misdemeanors (there are also unclassified misdemeanors in which punishments vary). Class 1 and Class 2 misdemeanors are punishable by a large fine plus 6-12 months in jail. Class 3 and Class 4 misdemeanors are not punishable by jail time, but require a large fine to be paid. An example of an unclassified misdemeanor is first time Marijuana possession.
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