What distinguishes a "misdemeanor" from a felony?

The distinction between a misdemeanor and a felony primarily revolves around the severity of the crime and the corresponding legal penalties. A misdemeanor is classified as a lesser crime compared to a felony. The key aspect that makes this answer correct is that misdemeanors are generally punishable by fines or imprisonment for less than one year, typically served in a local jail rather than a prison.

This classification reflects the legal system's recognition that while misdemeanors are still violations of the law, they are considered less serious and carry lighter consequences than felonies, which often result in longer periods of incarceration and heavier legal repercussions.

On the other hand, the other choices do not adequately capture the legal definitions or implications of misdemeanors. Smaller sums of money may be associated with various crimes, but they do not define the difference between misdemeanor and felony. Moreover, the claim that misdemeanors are not recorded on criminal records is inaccurate, as they can still appear on a person's criminal record. Lastly, while community service might be an option for certain misdemeanors, it is not a mandatory consequence and does not serve as the defining feature that separates misdemeanors from felonies.