What is classified as a misdemeanor?

A misdemeanor is classified as a less severe crime that is typically punishable by a maximum sentence of less than one year in jail, as opposed to a felony which is more serious and carries longer prison sentences. Misdemeanors can include offenses such as petty theft, simple assault, or public intoxication. The classification of an offense largely depends on the nature of the crime and the severity of the penalty associated with it.

In contrast, a minor civil violation often refers to infractions that do not carry criminal penalties, whereas serious felony offenses involve grave crimes that usually lead to imprisonment for over a year. Non-punishable offenses, by their very definition, do not result in criminal charges or penalties, which distinguishes them from misdemeanors. Overall, option C correctly identifies the essence of a misdemeanor by highlighting its characteristic punishment duration in the context of criminal law.