The Various Types of Misdemeanors

Misdemeanors are “lesser” crimes, typically punishable by a fine, probation, community service, court supervision and/or up to 5 years in jail (or any combination of these penalties). Although misdemeanors may be classified into several degrees depending on their severity, they may also be grouped into several categories depending on the nature of the crime.

The following are the three general types of misdemeanor crimes:

• Crimes committed against another person. With these types of crimes, the target is another person or group of people. Common examples include assault (a physical attack against another person) and harassment (any form of unwanted action toward another group or individual). Misdemeanor assault cases typically do not involve weapons or serious injuries.
• Crimes against public safety/order. These are crimes that could somehow threaten others, including disorderly conduct, driving under the influence, prostitution and some traffic violations.
• Crimes against property. Common examples of these types of crimes include theft (the taking of another person’s property without his or her permission), trespassing (entering another person’s property without his or her permission and knowing you are not allowed to be there) and vandalism (intentionally destroying or damaging another person’s property without permission).

These are the three most general types of misdemeanor classifications. Some types of offenses may be classified as either misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the severity of the crime, while others are solely misdemeanors.

For more information on misdemeanor classification and the potential consequences, meet with skilled Berks County criminal defense attorney David R. Eshelman.