What defines a misdemeanor in the context of disclosing a family violence shelter's location?

A misdemeanor in the context of disclosing a family violence shelter's location is defined as an act punishable by imprisonment between 1-12 months. This classification reflects the legal understanding of misdemeanors as offenses that are less severe than felonies but still carry significant penalties.

In this context, protecting the confidentiality and safety of individuals in family violence shelters is crucial; thus, the law regards the unauthorized disclosure of such locations seriously. While fines and lesser penalties may apply for certain minor offenses, the potential for imprisonment, even for shorter durations, highlights the importance of the issue.

This understanding aligns with the broader legal framework that rights and protections for victims of family violence are paramount, and violations, such as disclosing a shelter's location, can lead to consequences that involve incarceration, thereby classifying it correctly as a misdemeanor.