The Columbia Encyclopaedia defines Misdemeanors as “minor crimes, in contrast to a felony. In the United States, Misdemeanors usually are offenses that may be punished summarily by fines and by imprisonment for less than a year. Commission of misdemeanors do not cancel citizenship or subject aliens to deportation. In some states of the United States, certain minor law violations are not even classified as Misdemeanors, e.g., traffic offenses and breach of municipal regulations.”

Misdemeanors have a punishment ranging from jail time less than one year to fines of less than $2,000. Misdemeanors have grades depending on their severity. Misdemeanors also differ in the grade of severity from state to state, as they are governed by state law. For example, the State of Texas determines the severity of Misdemeanors in three grades:

• Class A – can be punishable up to one year in jail, a $2,000 fine and three years of community service. Examples of Class A Misdemeanors are burglary of a vehicle, resisting arrest and violation of an order of protection.

• Class B – can be punishable up to six months in jail, a $2,000 fine and three years of community service. Some examples of Class B Misdemeanors are criminal trespass, prostitution and first DWI.

• Class C – are punishable only by fines up to $500. Some examples of Class C Misdemeanors are bail jumping, bad checks and public intoxication.

However, it is often the case that more serious crimes are plea bargained down to Misdemeanors. In these instances, offenders walk away with just a slap on the wrist rather than going to trial and risking a serious incarceration sentence. These offenders feel that they put one over on the judicial system and, more often than not, are back to committing similar crimes within a short period of time.

Misdemeanors Can Be Signs of Trouble on the Horizon

Misdemeanors are quite often the result of a plea bargain agreement in court because they do not result in the loss of any civil rights, but there may be a loss of privilege, such as a professional license. These losses are determined on a case-by-case basis.

Misdemeanors are part of Criminal Records that are accessed by exacting a criminal background search at www.criminal-records.org. This is important because Misdemeanors can go undisclosed by offenders in the workplace and in other venues. While an individual could have his arrest for burglary felony pleaded down to a Misdemeanor of Criminal Trespass, you can be in serious danger if this person lives next door to you.

That is why the services of www.criminal-records.org are so vital to the public in today’s world, because you never know where danger is lurking. However, a criminal background check of this individual will disclose his history of criminal records, including Misdemeanors as well as Felony convictions.

By utilizing the services of www.criminal-records.org, you can calm your trepidations concerning an individual’s character. At the very least, you can get the facts and details regarding any prior Misdemeanors and other offenses.