What is the difference between a “misdemeanor” and a “felony” crime?
A felony is a crime which is punishable with death or by imprisonment in the state prison. Every other crime or public offense is a misdemeanor except those offenses that are classified as infractions. Some crimes are punishable in the discretion of the court by imprisonment in the state prison or imprisonment in the county jail. These crimes are called “wobblers” and may be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. An infraction is a crime that is typically punishable by a fine without any imprisonment.
