What is the term for a lesser criminal offense than a felony?

The term for a lesser criminal offense than a felony is "misdemeanor." Misdemeanors are typically less severe than felonies and often involve less serious crimes. Penalties for misdemeanors usually include lighter sentences such as fines, probation, or a short jail term, as opposed to the longer sentences associated with felonies, which can include imprisonment for a year or more.

Understanding the distinctions between misdemeanors and other types of offenses is crucial as it helps in grasping the legal hierarchy of criminal charges. Summary offenses, for instance, are usually considered even less severe than misdemeanors, while felonies represent the most serious level of offenses. Indictable offenses can vary by jurisdiction and may sometimes refer to serious crimes punishable by imprisonment, but they do not specifically denote the lesser classification compared to felonies as misdemeanors do.