Petty offense vs civil offense vs misdemeanor?

Question

what does each one mean? thanks!!

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

My state, others vary in thier definitaions slightly.
Petty and misdemeanor are criminal offenses.
Petty means small and is punishable by fine only.
Misdemeanor means punishable by fine and up to one year in the county jail.
A civil offense is a tort, a wrong against someone that is not criminal in nature.

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

you sound like you're a lawyer. never heard of tort before haha. thanks