In California a misdemeanor is defined as any offense where the maximum amount of jail time the person convicted of the crime can spend in jail is one-year. Most Driving under the influence cases are charged as misdemeanors; however, if the client is charged with his 4th driving under the influence case within 10 years of three prior convictions then the fourth case can be charged as a felony. However, a driving under the influence case that involves substantial bodily injury can also be charged as a felony
Other common misdemeanor offenses are driving on a suspended license (Vehicle Code Sections 14601.1, 14601.2), most domestic violence cases and petty theft cases as well as many others.
Notably some charges can be filed as misdemeanors or felonies and are called wobblers. In those cases where a charge is filed as felony but it can also be a misdemeanor, a skilled attorney can request that the court or the District Attorney reduce the matter to a misdemeanor. For more information on what can be done on your case contact Attorney William W. Bruzzo at (714) 547-4636.