Final answer:
A first-time domestic violence battery within 7 years is classified as a misdemeanor with penalties that include community service and incarceration, as determined by state law based on the severity of the offense.
Step-by-step explanation:
A person convicted of a battery which constitutes domestic violence for the FIRST offense within 7 years, is guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be sentenced to perform a certain number of hours of community service and serve time in a city or county jail for not less than a specified number of days. This sentence reflects the principles of punitive action in response to a violation of state law. The misdemeanor classification and the prescription of community service and jail time suggest a balanced approach to maintain societal order while upholding justice in light of an offense. Penalties for such misdemeanors are guided by state statutes, which often provide maximum limits on fines and imprisonment.