Misdemeanors

Carrying a Concealed Weapon

People who may legally possess and even openly carry weapons can't always place those weapons in their pockets or otherwise conceal them without breaking the law.

Criminal Mischief

Criminal mischief has likely been around for as long as people have owned personal property. Any time a person damages someone else's property without the owner's permission, that's criminal mischief.

Disorderly Conduct Laws and Penalties

Whenever people engage in conduct that is likely to cause a disturbance or lead to some sort of non-peaceful event, this behavior is often prosecuted as disorderly conduct, sometimes referred to as “breach of the peace.”

Disturbing the Peace

Disturbing the peace, also known as a breach of the peace, disorderly conduct, or by similar terms, occurs whenever someone acts in a way that disrupts the public order or disturbs the peace and tranquility of the community.

Domestic Violence Laws and Penalties

A domestic violence charge can mean jail time, a lifelong criminal record, and restrictions on your rights. Find out how states and federal law define these crimes and what consequences you could face

Unlicensed Driving and Presenting Proof of a Valid License

This article covers state driver's license laws and the penalties you might face if you're cited for unlicensed driving or operating a vehicle without having your license in your possession.

Driving With a Suspended or Revoked License

In every state, drivers who have been convicted of specified driving violations and other offenses may have their driving privileges suspended or revoked.

Drug Possession Laws

What is a controlled substance? Learn about the penalties for drug possession and the laws in your state.

DUI Charges and Penalties

An overview of DUI (driving under the influence) offense classifications and possible consequences.

Is It Illegal to Run From Police? Evading Arrest Explained

The crime of evading arrest is committed when a person flees or runs from a police officer to avoid being apprehended, detained, or arrested. Learn when this offense can result in felony charges.

Exhibition of Speed and Street Racing Violations

Though speed limits are an ever-present limitation whenever you drive, many people are not aware that you can also violate traffic laws by engaging in exhibitions of speed or racing.

Failure to Identify to a Police Officer: Laws & Penalties

Law enforcement officers routinely ask people for their names and other identifying information. Police may ask for the information as part of a specific criminal investigation.

Harassment and Cyberbullying as Crimes

Harassment crimes include stalking, bullying, hate crimes and more. The penalties for a conviction can be severe.

Illegal Dumping: Laws & Penalties

Illegal dumping and improper waste disposal can result in more than monetary fines, it can mean criminal charges.

Is Gambling Legal in the U.S.?

From lotteries and casinos to fantasy sports and social poker games, U.S. gambling laws can be confusing. Learn key definitions, common legal pitfalls, and how to check what’s allowed in your state before you place a bet.

Indecent Exposure: Laws & Penalties

Indecent exposure laws prohibit exposing private body parts in certain circumstances. Learn more about the crime here, including penalties, defenses, and common questions.

Marijuana DUI

The often tragic consequences and harsh legal penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol are well publicized. What many don’t realize is that driving while high on marijuana is also illegal and punishable in all 50 states.

Marijuana Possession: Laws & Penalties

Marijuana possession laws are complicated. Learn how federal and state laws differ, what penalties apply, and when possession can still lead to criminal charges.

Minor in Possession of Alcohol

Learn about the legal consequences for underage drinking, including criminal penalties, fines, and drivers license suspensions.

Obscenity Laws

Not many legal concepts reduce Supreme Court Justices to uttering, “I know it when I see it.” But that’s exactly what Justice Potter Stewart wrote about obscenity.

Petty Theft & Other Theft Laws

Classified as a misdemeanor, petty theft involves the theft of items under a value of five hundred dollars.

Possession of a Controlled Substance: Drug Possession Laws

What is a controlled substance? Learn about the penalties for drug possession and the laws in your state.

Illegal Weapon Possession: Laws and Penalties

The Second Amendment protects gun rights, but federal and state laws still ban certain weapons and certain people from owning them. A violation can mean a felony charge and years in prison. Here's what you need to know.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Understand the legal definition, circumstances, and penalties for illegal possession of drug paraphernalia.

Probation Violation: Penalties and Revocation Explained

Probation gives convicted individuals a chance to stay in the community—but one violation can send them back to court, or worse, to jail. Learn what happens when the rules are broken.

Prostitution Laws

In most states, prostitution is illegal and punishable as a misdemeanor in most cases.

Public Intoxication Laws and Penalties

Can being drunk in public get you arrested and charged with a crime? Learn about the various state approaches to public intoxication.

Public Lewdness Laws and Penalties

Public lewdness refers to indecent or obscene behavior in public. These laws protect society from public conduct considered immoral and inappropriate.

Receiving Stolen Property

While theft is an universally understood crime, not everyone knows that you can also commit a theft crime if you acquire stolen or illegally obtained goods.

Reckless Driving Violations and Penalties

Don't dismiss a reckless driving charge as just another traffic ticket. It’s often a criminal offense that carries severe penalties, including jail time.

Resisting Arrest: Laws, Penalties, and Defenses

Resisting arrest occurs when a person interferes with a law enforcement officer’s attempt to perform a lawful arrest. Some states call the crime “obstruction.”

Caught Having Sex in Public: Laws, Charges, and Penalties

In most states, the laws that criminalize public sex make it a misdemeanor. Some state laws explicitly criminalize public sexual activity. Other laws are broader and cover a variety of indecent or lewd conduct.

Shoplifting Laws

Shoplifting offenses are fairly common, but that doesn't mean they shouldn't be taken seriously. Felony charges may apply to more expensive shoplifted items or when a shoplifter has prior theft convictions.

Simple Assault or Misdemeanor Assault

A conviction for misdemeanor or simple assault can have serious immediate and long-term consequences that go beyond jail time.

Is Solicitation of Prostitution Illegal?

Depending on the state, solicitation of prostitution can mean either when a prostitute advertises their availability to perform sexual acts for compensation or when a potential patron offers to pay for sex, or both

Terrorist Threat Laws and Penalties

Lawmakers and courts have long recognized that some damaging or dangerous forms of speech should be prohibited. Making a terrorist threat is one such form of speech that is prohibited.

Criminal Trespassing Laws and Penalties

Think trespassing is no big deal? A conviction can mean fines, jail time, and a criminal record that follows you for life. Learn what counts as criminal trespass, how charges are classified, and what penalties you could face.

Unlawful Discharge of a Weapon

Unlawful discharge of a weapon crimes can be either misdemeanor or felony offenses depending on the state and the circumstances of the case.

Unlawful Restraint

Holding someone against their will is an example of unlawful restraint. Learn how states define and penalize this criminal act.

Vandalism: Crimes and Penalties

Learn how penalties for vandalism charges can add up quickly.

Violation of a Restraining Order

What counts as a restraining order violation? Any unauthorized contact can trigger arrest and prosecution. First offenses bring misdemeanor charges; repeat violations often result in felonies.