The Misdemeanor Division reviews all police reports regarding crimes which have a sentence of up to 364 days in the county jail, up to a $2500 fine, and up to 2 years probation. If it is determined that there is enough evidence to file charges, a complaint is filed. A notice is mailed to the defendant telling him or her on what date to appear in court.
Examples of Misdemeanor offenses are assault, battery, theft, retail theft, criminal damage to property, and trespass to real property.
These crimes are misdemeanors because there is not a lot of damage done to the victim. If there is a lot of damage done to the victim, it can be a more serious crime called a Felony; for example, a great amount of money or property is stolen, expensive repair costs for criminal damage to property, or serious bodily harm results to the victim of a battery.
