Punishment for a misdemeanor may include:

• A. Not more than one year in jail OR a fine
• B. Life imprisonment
• C. Confinement in a state penitentiary
• D. A fine only

Answer: (A)

Misdemeanors carry far lighter penalties than felonies. In most jurisdictions, a misdemeanor can be punishable by up to one year in a jail facility and/or a fine. That upper limit on jail time is the key distinction from felonies, which can lead to longer confinement in state prison or even life imprisonment. So the statement that a misdemeanor can result in not more than one year in jail or a fine best reflects the usual range of punishment for these offenses. While some misdemeanors might be punished with a fine only, that doesn't capture the standard maximum and is not universally the rule.