1. INFRACTIONS:
An infraction is a minor violation. Many traffic violations are infractions. The punishment for infractions is usually fine.
2. MISDEMEANORS:
A misdemeanor is a crime with a maximum punishment of either 6 months or 364 days in county jail, and/or a fine from $1,000 to $10,000. Some examples are assault, battery, driving on a suspended license, trespass, drunk in public, disorderly conduct, domestic violence, petty theft, prostitution, shoplifting, solicitation of prostitution, vandalism, violation of a protective order, and DUI.
3. FELONIES:
A felony is the most serious kind of crime. California also has a list of serious felonies and violent felonies. If found guilty, you can be sent to the county jail and/or state prison. Some examples are arson, assault with a deadly weapon or instrument on a peace officer, carjacking, extortion, embezzlement, gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, kidnapping, robbery or bank robbery, murder, voluntary manslaughter, lewd or lascivious act on a child under 14 years of age, mayhem, rape, oral copulation, sexual penetration, DUI Causing injury and DUI with 3 prior offenses within 10 years.
4. WOBBLERS:
A wobbler is a crime that may be punished as either a misdemeanor or felony. Some examples are assault with a deadly weapon, sexual battery, theft, spousal battery, domestic violence cases, burglary, drug cases, and DUI causing injury.
