What is an example of a misdemeanor?

A misdemeanor is generally defined as a less serious crime compared to a felony, which often carries lighter penalties such as fines or short-term imprisonment. Petty theft and disorderly conduct exemplify misdemeanors as they typically involve less severe consequences and are usually punishable by fines or short jail terms, often less than a year.

In the case of petty theft, it involves stealing items of low value, which typically qualifies it as a misdemeanor rather than a felony. Disorderly conduct refers to actions that disrupt public peace or tranquility, which also fall into the realm of misdemeanors due to their less severe nature.

In contrast, robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, and murder are generally classified as felonies. These crimes typically involve more serious harm to individuals or significant property damage, leading to harsher penalties and longer periods of imprisonment. Thus, petty theft and disorderly conduct clearly represent typical examples of misdemeanors, making this choice correct.