{"ok":true,"canonical_url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/misdemeanor-offense","api_url":"https://dealroom.so/api/public/glossary/misdemeanor-offense","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-offense","term":"Misdemeanor Offense","group":"People and paperwork","definition":"A misdemeanor is a less serious crime than a felony. While it might not automatically disqualify you for an SBA loan, the SBA will scrutinize your character.","what_it_means":"On SBA Form 1919, you must disclose any criminal offenses, including misdemeanors. The SBA evaluates 'good character' and considers the nature, recency, and severity of any offense. While a minor, non-financial misdemeanor from many years ago might be overlooked, recent or financial-related misdemeanors could be a red flag. Always disclose fully and be prepared to explain.","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/misdemeanor-offense","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":"embezzlement","term":"Embezzlement","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/embezzlement"},{"slug":"good-character","term":"Good character","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/good-character"}],"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"},{"question":"Can a minor past criminal offense prevent me from getting an SBA 7(a) loan?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-loans/basics/can-a-minor-past-criminal-offense-prevent-me-from-getting-an-sba-7-a-loan"},{"question":"What constitutes a 'serious criminal offense' that may cause 7(a) loan ineligibility for a principal?","url":"https://dealroom.so/for-lenders/questions/what-constitutes-a-serious-criminal-offense-that-may-cause-7-a-loan-ineligibility-for-a-pr"},{"question":"Can an arrest record without conviction for a minor offense affect my SBA 7(a) loan approval?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-7a/questions/can-an-arrest-record-without-conviction-for-a-minor-offense-affect-my-sba-7-a-loan-approva"},{"question":"What specific types of prior criminal offenses are generally disqualifying for an SBA 7(a) loan?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-7a/questions/what-specific-types-of-prior-criminal-offenses-are-generally-disqualifying-for-an-sba-7-a-"},{"question":"What specific types of criminal offenses are generally disqualifying for an SBA 7(a) loan applicant or owner?","url":"https://dealroom.so/for-lenders/questions/what-specific-types-of-criminal-offenses-are-generally-disqualifying-for-an-sba-7-a-loan-a"}]},"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 Offense","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/misdemeanor-offense","source_type":"DealRoom Data"}}