What is one type of inmate that typically confines in a county jail?

County jails primarily serve as facilities for individuals who are awaiting trial or sentencing as well as those who have been convicted and sentenced for lesser offenses. Sentenced misdemeanants are typically housed in county jails because misdemeanors are generally less severe offenses that result in shorter sentences, commonly less than one year. This makes county jails suitable for accommodating these individuals, as they often serve their time in local facilities rather than state prisons, which handle more serious crimes.

In contrast, felony offenders are usually sent to state prisons for longer-term sentences, while victims of crimes and witnesses do not belong in jails as they are not offenders; rather, they may be involved in the legal process in different capacities. Therefore, sentenced misdemeanants represent the correct type of inmate commonly confined in a county jail.