The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 13 letter word MISDEMEANOURS
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Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "they might be punished" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case they might be punished = misdemeanours.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does MISDEMEANOURS mean?
MISDEMEANOURS noun- A crime usually punishable upon conviction by a small fine or by a short term of imprisonment. In the USA, misdemeanants usually are incarcerated in county jail for less than one year, but felons usually are incarcerated in state or federal prison for more than one year. Crimes which are punishable by large fines or by longer imprisonment are sometimes called felonies.