Explained in plain English

What is 'misdemeanor child abuse'?

In the US, 'misdemeanor' refers to less serious crimes, distinct from 'felonies' which are major offences. Child abuse, even as a misdemeanor, involves harm or endangerment to a minor. The suspect in the Michigan shootings had a recent conviction for this, highlighting a past legal issue that, while not a felony, still involved serious misconduct.