How is a misdemeanor defined?

A misdemeanor is typically defined as an offense that is less serious than a felony but is more serious than an infraction or violation. This aligns with the understanding that misdemeanors are criminal offenses that can result in jail time, generally ranging from a few days to one year of imprisonment.

The correct choice emphasizes that a misdemeanor can involve imprisonment of more than 15 days but does not extend beyond one year, thereby fitting the legal classification commonly used in many jurisdictions. This definition strikes a balance between the severity of the offense and the consequences, which is crucial for understanding how misdemeanors are treated in the legal system.

In contrast, options that suggest an offense punishable by more than one year or one with no imprisonment do not accurately describe misdemeanors, as they either elevate the severity to felony status or diminish the seriousness entirely. The defined criteria of punishment being between 15 days and one year captures the essence of a misdemeanor's position in the hierarchy of offenses.