What is the legal term for a minor crime punishable by fines or imprisonment?

The legal term for a minor crime punishable by fines or imprisonment is a misdemeanor. Misdemeanors are typically less serious offenses compared to felonies, which are grave violations that can result in more severe penalties, including longer prison sentences. Misdemeanors can still carry significant consequences, such as jail time typically of less than one year, fines, or a combination of both.

In contrast, infractions are even less serious than misdemeanors, often related to violations of local ordinances or minor traffic offenses, typically punishable only by fines and not imprisonment. Similarly, a violation generally refers to a breach of a rule or regulation that might not carry significant legal weight in criminal law, and it can often be treated as a civil matter rather than a criminal one.

Understanding the distinction between these terms is essential for a comprehensive grasp of legal classifications of crimes and their respective consequences.