Adjust the American penal system as to keep misdemeanor offenders from becoming hardened criminals

Hello
I have noticed an issue with the American penal system a misdemeanor can send you to jail. Now this is not what I oppose, I oppose the fact that a misdemeanor lands you in a jail/prison with other hardened criminals who have had more serious charges brought up against them and because 52% of people who go to jail return this is not a positive future that these people are seeing. If they can not return to society then this means more people in our jails who could be enjoying "the pursuit of happiness" if we were to adjust the penal system we could become a more unified country for all.
Thank you for your time,
Tyler