Which of the following types of crimes is generally considered the least severe?

Infractions are generally considered the least severe type of crime within the legal system. They typically involve minor violations such as traffic offenses or municipal ordinance breaches, and they usually result in less serious penalties, like fines. Unlike felonies and misdemeanors, infractions do not carry the possibility of jail time and often do not result in a criminal record for the offender.

Felonies represent the most serious category of crimes and can result in significant prison sentences, while misdemeanors are more serious than infractions but still less severe than felonies. Serious offenses likely refer to more grave crimes that carry heavy penalties and can impact a person’s life significantly. In this context, infractions stand out as the least impactful on an individual's legal standing and life circumstances.