How can a misdemeanor be punished?

A misdemeanor can indeed be punished by both a fine and imprisonment, but the important distinction is that the imprisonment for a misdemeanor typically does not exceed one year. This reflects the nature of misdemeanors as less serious offenses than felonies, which can result in longer prison sentences. Different jurisdictions may impose varying fines and community service requirements as part of the penalty, but these punishments are often considered secondary to the potential for jail time. Effectively, the option recognizes that misdemeanors have a range of possible punishments, and the limit of one year in jail encapsulates the legal boundaries set for such offenses.