How is a misdemeanor typically defined in relation to punishment?

A misdemeanor is typically defined as a less serious crime that is punishable by less than one year in jail. This classification of crime encompasses various offenses that do not reach the severity of felonies but are still considered criminal. The distinction is important because it affects how the law treats the actions and the consequences imposed on the offender. Misdemeanors might include offenses such as petty theft, simple assault, or disorderly conduct, which can result in jail time up to one year, fines, or other penalties.

This understanding highlights why the definition that encapsulates lesser punishment is the most accurate representation of a misdemeanor's legal standing. The other options either misrepresent the duration of punishment related to misdemeanors or categorize misdemeanors incorrectly, leading to confusion about their legal implications.