How are criminal offenses classified under California law?
Crimes in California are categorized as petty offenses, misdemeanors, and felonies according to the severity of punishment associated with the particular crime. Petty offenses include traffic violations and infractions of minor ordinances. Misdemeanors generally are crimes involving punishment greater than that for petty offenses, but less than one year in jail. Felonies normally are crimes involving punishment of more than one year in jail.