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Same name, different sentence

What is a petty misdemeanor?

A petty misdemeanor is one of the grades states use to rank misdemeanors by how serious they are. 3 states use the name, and each sets its own jail range and fine for it. Here is each one, from the state's own law.

Last checked October 29, 2026. General information, not legal advice.

Petty misdemeanor sentences by state
StateJailFineThe law
HawaiiUp to 30 daysUp to $1,000Haw. Rev. Stat. §§ 706-663 (as amended by Act 143, SLH 2026), 706-640(1)(e)1
New MexicoUp to 6 monthsUp to $500N.M. Stat. Ann. § 31-19-1(B)2
Rhode IslandUp to 6 monthsUp to $500R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-1-23

Why the same name means different things

Each state writes its own criminal code. The letters, numbers and degrees only rank crimes within that state, so a petty misdemeanor in one state can carry a very different sentence from one next door. A specific crime can also set its own range, and past convictions can raise it. For how a state grades a particular crime, see Is it a felony?

Other misdemeanor grades

Sources

Each source was opened and checked on October 29, 2026.

  1. Hawaii: Haw. Rev. Stat. §§ 706-663 (as amended by Act 143, SLH 2026), 706-640(1)(e)
  2. New Mexico: N.M. Stat. Ann. § 31-19-1(B)
  3. Rhode Island: R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-1-2