Which of the following statements is true regarding misdemeanors?

Misdemeanors are typically defined as less serious offenses compared to felonies, which is why option stating that they are usually punishable by less than a year in jail is true. In most jurisdictions, misdemeanors carry a maximum penalty of up to one year of incarceration, often served in a local or county jail as opposed to a state prison, which is reserved for felonies.

The other statements do not accurately reflect the legal classification of misdemeanors. For example, misdemeanors are not more severe than felonies; in fact, felonies involve more serious crimes and have harsher penalties. Additionally, while some misdemeanors can lead to jail time, they typically do not result in lengthy prison sentences like felonies do. Lastly, misdemeanors can indeed result in fines, which can vary significantly depending on the jurisdiction and the nature of the offense. Thus, the assertion that they cannot result in fines is incorrect.