A misdemeanor is punishable by:

• A. Up to five years in jail
• B. Life imprisonment
• C. No jail time
• D. Up to one year in jail

Answer: (D)

Misdemeanors are the less serious category of crimes, and the jail time attached to them is limited. In most jurisdictions, a misdemeanor carries a maximum sentence of up to one year in jail (typically served in a county jail) and may also involve fines or probation. That’s why the option stating up to one year in jail fits best. The other possibilities describe penalties associated with more serious offenses (five years or life imprisonment) or situations where jail time isn’t required at all, which aren’t the general maximums for misdemeanors.