What is the classification of a Class A misdemeanor?

A Class A misdemeanor is classified as a serious crime that may result in significant penalties, including jail time. Specifically, it typically can lead to a maximum of one year in jail, which underscores its seriousness compared to lesser offenses. Characteristics of a Class A misdemeanor often include more severe implications for the offender, such as a permanent criminal record, which can affect employment, housing, and personal relationships.

The option that relates to knowingly committing official misconduct aligns with the definition of a serious crime, as it reflects a deliberate action that violates legal standards or duties. This aspect of intentional wrongdoing is critical to classifying certain offenses as misdemeanors of this degree. In terms of the other options, a minor traffic violation generally does not carry the same serious consequences and is typically categorized as an infraction, while inadvertently making an error does not imply the intent or seriousness associated with a Class A misdemeanor.