Felonies and misdemeanors are two classifications of crimes used in most states, with petty offenses (infractions) being the third. Infractions are the least serious type of crime. Infractions usually involve little to no time in court (much less jail), and include things like traffic tickets, jaywalking, and some minor drug possession charges in some states. However, if infractions remain unaddressed or unpaid, the law typically provides for an increasing range of fines and potential penalties. For example, littering would be a minor infraction. Misdemeanors are more serious than infractions. They are usually defined as a crime which is punishable by up to a year in jail time. Sometimes that jail time is served in a local county jail instead
