New York State Private Investigator Practice Exam

What is an example of an action that would qualify as a misdemeanor?

1. A serious violent crime

2. A minor theft

3. A felony drug charge

4. A non-violent property crime that leads to serious injury

The correct answer is: A minor theft

A minor theft qualifies as a misdemeanor because misdemeanors are defined as less serious offenses compared to felonies, typically involving lower levels of harm or intent. In many jurisdictions, including New York, a misdemeanor often entails actions that could lead to penalties such as fines or short-term incarceration, usually less than a year. Minor theft generally involves the unlawful taking of someone else's property with a value below a certain threshold, which aligns with the typical legal definitions of a misdemeanor. Other options illustrate more serious levels of crime. A serious violent crime and a felony drug charge generally fall into the felony category, which is penalized more severely, often involving longer prison sentences. Non-violent property crimes that result in serious injury also tend to elevate the seriousness of the offense, moving it beyond misdemeanor classification. Thus, minor theft clearly fits within the definition of a misdemeanor due to its lower stakes.