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What is a Misdemeanor?
A
misdemeanor generally refers to less serious
crimes
punishable under state laws that would be punishable by shorter
prison terms in county or state county prisons rather than by
death or imprisonment in a state penitentiary as with a
felony.
State laws may classify misdemeanors for the purpose of
sentencing into categories similar to the following:
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Misdemeanor of the first degree. |
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Misdemeanor of the second degree. |
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Misdemeanor of the third degree. |
State laws define what crimes are considered
misdemeanors. The penalties usually vary by degree and are
differentiated by the maximum prison term and/or type of
facility where the sentence will be served.
Important Notice
This
information is generic. It is compiled from the laws of several
states and may or may not apply to this particular city,
county, state
or your individual circumstances. State laws vary and are continuously
changing. This information does not necessarily reflect the laws
in Pennsylvania. It is not
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