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Misdemeanor vs. Infraction

Misdemeanor and Infraction Definitions

Misdemeanor

A misdeed.

Infraction

The act or an instance of infringing, as of a law or rule; a violation.

Misdemeanor

(Law) A criminal offense that is less serious than a felony and generally punishable by a fine, a jail term of up to a year, or both.

Infraction

(legal) A minor offence, petty crime.
Even stealing a pack of gum is an infraction in the eyes of the law.

Misdemeanor

(legal) A crime usually punishable upon conviction by a small fine or by a short term of imprisonment. In the USA, misdemeanants usually are incarcerated in county jail for less than one year, but felons usually are incarcerated in state or federal prison for more than one year. Crimes which are punishable by large fines or by longer imprisonment are sometimes called felonies.

Infraction

A violation; breach.
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Misdemeanor

Any act of misbehavior.

Infraction

(ice hockey) A major violation of rules which leads to a penalty, if detected by the referee.

Misdemeanor

Ill behavior; evil conduct; fault.

Infraction

The act of infracting or breaking; breach; violation; nonobservance; infringement; as, an infraction of a treaty, compact, rule, or law.

Misdemeanor

A crime less than a felony.

Infraction

A crime less serious than a felony
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Misdemeanor

A crime less serious than a felony

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