Misdemeanor
A misdemeanor is a minor crime (as opposed to a felony). A crime less serious than a felony which is punishable by fine or imprisonment in a city or county jail rather than in a penitentiary. Overall, California classifies three types of crimes in descending order of severity:
1. Felonies (which are the most serious, punishable by imprisonment in the California State Prison for a period of years);
2. Misdemeanors (which are punishable only by local county jail time, not more than one year), and;
3. Infractions (such as traffic violations, also referred to as moving violations).
Standard Misdemeanor Offenses
Standard California misdemeanors are offenses that are punishable by a maximum six-month county jail sentence and a maximum $1,000 fine.
Examples of common standard misdemeanors include (but are not limited to):
• Petty theft, and
• Being "drunk in public."
If you are being charged with a misdemeanor or a felony offense, you should consult with a criminal defense attorney. Both misdemeanors and felonies have a potential for jail time and probation and serious immigration consequences if one is not a United States Citizen. Please contact Sarajian Law Group for a Free Consultation at 877-861-8601