Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Transgression is an old-fashioned word that means doing something wrong. It can be a small wrong thing called a misdemeanor, like getting a ticket for not wearing a seatbelt in the car. Or it can be a big wrong thing called a felony, like stealing something very valuable. Misdemeanors are not as serious as felonies and usually result in a small punishment like paying a fine or going to jail for a short time. Felonies are very serious and can result in a long time in prison.
Transgression is an old-fashioned word that means the same thing as misdemeanor. A misdemeanor is a crime that is less serious than a felony. It is usually punished with a fine, penalty, forfeiture, or a short time in jail. Some examples of misdemeanors include traffic violations, disorderly conduct, and petty theft.
In some places, there are different levels of misdemeanors. A gross misdemeanor is a more serious misdemeanor, but not quite as serious as a felony. A serious misdemeanor is a type of misdemeanor that has harsher penalties than most other misdemeanors. In some cases, conduct that rises to the level of a serious misdemeanor can be charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor.
Overall, misdemeanors are less serious crimes than felonies. Felonies are crimes that are punishable by more than a year in prison. Some examples of felonies include murder, robbery, and drug trafficking.
For example, if someone gets caught shoplifting a small item from a store, they might be charged with misdemeanor theft. This means they could face a fine or a short time in jail, but not a long prison sentence. This is an example of a transgression or misdemeanor.