délit moins grave

In civil law systems, offenses are categorized into three main types: crime, délit, and contravention. A crime is the most serious offense, punishable by death or lengthy imprisonment. A délit is less severe, typically punished by a prison sentence of one to five years or a fine. Contraventions are the least serious offenses.1

The term délit itself can be further divided into délits moins graves (less serious délits) and délits graves (serious délits). Less serious délits, such as larceny, are usually tried by a judge without a jury. Serious délits, which may involve significant bodily harm, are reserved for trial by a full court with a jury. A délit is generally understood as an infraction committed with criminal intent that directly infringes upon the rights of individuals or groups.1