What is an example of a misdemeanor in New Mexico?

A misdemeanor in New Mexico is generally classified as a less severe crime compared to felonies and is typically punishable by less than one year in jail and/or a fine. Simple assault is defined under New Mexico law as an attempt to commit a battery or the unlawful act of threatening another person with physical harm. It does not involve the use of a weapon or significant injury to the victim, which keeps it within the misdemeanor category.

In contrast, burglary committed with weapons, first-degree felonies, and robbery with bodily injury all fall into more serious categories that entail higher penalties and longer prison sentences. For example, burglary involving weapons would likely be classified as a felony because it involves the use of a dangerous weapon during the commission of the crime, significantly escalating its severity. Similarly, robbery with bodily injury encompasses elements that make it a felony due to the physical harm inflicted on the victim, and first-degree felonies are the most serious offenses, carrying the heaviest punishments. Therefore, simple assault stands out as the correct example of a misdemeanor in this context.