Chicago Police Department (CPD) Practice Exam 2025 – All-in-One Guide to Master Your Police Test Success!

A misdemeanor is typically defined as a less severe crime than a felony, and its punishment usually involves incarceration for a shorter duration. Specifically, a misdemeanor can lead to a maximum of less than one year of imprisonment, often served in a local jail or facility other than a penitentiary. This distinction is important because it reflects the legal classification of crimes and the associated potential consequences.

The other options do not accurately encapsulate the general legal understanding of misdemeanors. While some misdemeanors can indeed lead to fines or community service, those options don't fully reflect the possibility of incarceration, which is a key part of misdemeanor classification. The correct understanding helps individuals and law enforcement interpret potential punishments for various offenses correctly.