Which of the following describes a minor crime?

A misdemeanor is characterized as a minor crime, typically less serious than a felony and usually punishable by less severe penalties, such as fines or shorter jail sentences. Misdemeanors often involve offenses that do not pose a significant risk to public safety, such as petty theft, vandalism, or minor drug offenses. They are generally handled within local or municipal courts.

The context of the other terms helps to clarify why a misdemeanor fits the definition of a minor crime. A felony refers to a more serious crime with severe consequences, including longer terms of imprisonment, while an offense can be a general term for any violation of the law but does not specify severity. A transgression typically refers to a violation of a rule or law, but it is a broader term that can encompass both minor and more serious offenses without specifying severity. Thus, within the scope of describing a minor crime, a misdemeanor remains the most accurate choice.