Which of the following differentiates a misdemeanor from a felony?

The distinction between misdemeanors and felonies primarily revolves around the severity of the punishments associated with each category of crime. Misdemeanors are generally considered less serious offenses and are usually punishable by less than one year of imprisonment. This is a key differentiating factor, as it establishes the framework for how these offenses are treated within the justice system.

In contrast, felonies are more serious crimes that typically carry penalties of more than one year of imprisonment, often resulting in harsher consequences such as longer sentences and the potential for parole restrictions. Understanding the length of imprisonment for misdemeanors as being under one year helps clarify their status compared to felonies.

The other choices misrepresent the nature of these offenses. Misdemeanors can indeed involve fines, but they are not limited to fines alone; imprisonment or other penalties may apply as well. Similarly, felonies are more severe than misdemeanors, not the other way around. Lastly, felonies are generally processed through criminal courts rather than civil courts, which focus on different types of legal matters. Recognizing how misdemeanors are specifically defined by their lesser penalties is essential in grasping the broader legal classification.