Which of the following describes a Class B misdemeanor?

A Class B misdemeanor is characterized as a lesser criminal offense that is not as serious as a felony but still carries penalties. In many jurisdictions, including Tennessee, a Class B misdemeanor typically involves offenses that can result in fines and possibly short-term imprisonment, although the exact consequences can depend on the specific crime and jurisdictional regulations.

This classification allows the judicial system to differentiate between more serious crimes and less serious offenses, providing a structured approach to dealing with criminal behavior. The penalties associated with a Class B misdemeanor are usually less severe than those for felonies, aligning with the description of being punishable by fines or shorter jail sentences, thus ensuring that responses to lesser offenses are proportionate to the nature of the crime.

The other options do not accurately represent a Class B misdemeanor. Serious felonies are much more severe offenses, administrative violations do not typically fit into criminal classifications and focus more on regulatory issues, and a minor offense with no penalties would not qualify as a misdemeanor, which by definition includes some level of punishment.