Legal Definitions - misdemeanant

A misdemeanant is an individual who has been found guilty and convicted of a misdemeanoroffense. A misdemeanor is generally considered a less serious crime than a felony, typically carrying penalties such as fines, community service, probation, or a jail sentence of less than one year.

Here are some examples to illustrate this term:

• Example 1: Petty Theft
  Sarah was caught shoplifting a designer scarf worth $150 from a department store. She was arrested, charged with petty theft, and later pleaded guilty in court. The judge sentenced her to a fine and community service.

  Explanation: Because petty theft of this value is often classified as a misdemeanor, Sarah, having been convicted of this offense, is now legally considered a misdemeanant.

• Example 2: Disorderly Conduct
  During a public protest, Mark became overly aggressive, shouting obscenities and refusing to disperse when ordered by police, leading to his arrest for disorderly conduct. He was subsequently found guilty in municipal court and received a small fine.

  Explanation: Disorderly conduct is typically a misdemeanor offense. Since Mark was convicted of this charge, he is now legally referred to as a misdemeanant.

• Example 3: Minor Traffic Offense
  David was pulled over for driving significantly over the speed limit and, upon checking his record, the officer discovered his driver's license had been suspended for unpaid parking tickets. He was charged with driving with a suspended license, a charge for which he was later convicted and given a short probationary period.

  Explanation: In many jurisdictions, driving with a suspended license (especially for non-serious underlying infractions) is classified as a misdemeanor. Therefore, after his conviction, David became a misdemeanant.