{"ok":true,"canonical_url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/misdemeanor","api_url":"https://dealroom.so/api/public/glossary/misdemeanor","data_freshness":{"sba_records_through":"2026-05-31","fdic_records_through":"2026-03-31","dealroom_last_updated":"2026-06-15","timezone":"America/Chicago"},"source_summary":["Public SBA 7(a) loan records","FDIC institution data","DealRoom lender and franchise enrichment"],"term":{"slug":"misdemeanor","term":"Misdemeanor","group":"People and paperwork","definition":"A misdemeanor is a less serious crime than a felony, typically punishable by fines or short jail sentences. While less severe, recent or multiple misdemeanors, especially those related to financial dishonesty, can still raise concerns with lenders.","what_it_means":"The SBA asks about criminal history, including misdemeanors, on Form 1919. While a minor, old misdemeanor might not disqualify you, recent or multiple convictions, particularly for offenses involving moral turpitude or financial integrity, could indicate a lack of Good character and hinder your loan approval.","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/misdemeanor","official_sources":[{"slug":"sba-form-1919","title":"SBA Form 1919 — Borrower Information Form","official_url":"https://www.sba.gov/document/sba-form-1919-borrower-information-form","official_label":"View on SBA.gov","authority_tier":4,"publisher":"U.S. Small Business Administration","source_guide_url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-7a/sources/sba-form-1919"},{"slug":"sop-50-10","title":"SOP 50 10 — Lender and Development Company Loan Programs","official_url":"https://www.sba.gov/document/sop-50-10-lender-development-company-loan-programs","official_label":"View on SBA.gov","authority_tier":2,"publisher":"U.S. Small Business Administration","source_guide_url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-7a/sources/sop-50-10"}],"related":[{"slug":"felony","term":"Felony","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/felony"},{"slug":"fraud","term":"Fraud","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/fraud"},{"slug":"good-character","term":"Good character","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/good-character"},{"slug":"credit-report","term":"Credit report","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/credit-report"}],"related_questions":[{"question":"Does a misdemeanor on my record prevent me from getting an SBA 7(a) loan?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-loans/basics/does-a-misdemeanor-on-my-record-prevent-me-from-getting-an-sba-7-a-loan"}]},"caveats":["Definitions represent DealRoom's plain-English interpretation for buyers; verify regulatory terms against the official SBA and eCFR sources listed.","Not legal, tax, or financial advice, and not an SBA eligibility determination."],"citation":{"label":"DealRoom.so Glossary — Misdemeanor","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/misdemeanor","source_type":"DealRoom Data"}}