How does the CCP define a "misdemeanor"?

The definition of a "misdemeanor" according to the Code of Criminal Procedure (CCP) clearly classifies it as a crime that is punishable by imprisonment for up to one year. This classification helps to distinguish misdemeanors from felonies, which are generally more serious crimes carrying longer prison sentences and harsher penalties. By specifying a maximum term of imprisonment, the definition implicitly reflects the less severe nature of misdemeanors compared to other types of crimes, allowing for a legal framework that differentiates the severity of offenses.

In the context of the other options, the idea of fines only does not encompass the possibility of incarceration, which is fundamental to the definition of a misdemeanor. Similarly, categorizing a misdemeanor as a serious crime with harsher penalties leads to confusion, as it fails to capture the essence of a misdemeanor’s relatively lesser severity compared to felonies. Lastly, not requiring a trial does not accurately define a misdemeanor, as all criminal charges, including misdemeanors, generally involve legal proceedings unless resolved by other means, such as plea agreements. Each of these aspects solidifies the understanding that option A best defines a misdemeanor according to the CCP.