Answer:
A) A crime punishable by imprisonment of less than one year
Explanation:
A misdemeanor crime is a small offense which generally requires no more than a fine or a year in prison, community service, or probation. Misdemeanor crimes can easily become felonies which are more serious crimes with accordingly ramped-up consequences (think murder or forgery/counterfeit). For example, threatening to assault someone would be considered a misdemeanor, but actually committing the assault (especially with an illegal weapon) would be a felony.
