If you are accused of a crime in California, your charges may fall into a few categories. We represent clients whose allegations fall into 1) infractions; 2) misdemeanors and 3) felony. Have you heard the term wobbler offense? What does that mean?
Criminal Charges
Before we go into wobbler offenses, we would like to make sure you understand the three major categories of criminal charges. No matter the degree of the crime, it is important to secure legal counsel who has a clear understanding of criminal law. After all, one simple mistake could be detrimental to your future. Likewise, a history of criminal convictions could impact your freedom and your pocketbook. Here is a breakdown of charges:
- Infractions: When an individual is charged with an infraction, imprisonment is out of the equation. Some might even question whether infractions are criminal charges. Nonetheless, infractions can be expensive mistakes. For example, someone who decides to go fishing without a license may be guilty of an infraction and have fines imposed.
- Misdemeanors: Misdemeanor charges are more serious than infractions. For one, there is a potential that the defendant can be sentenced to jail for up to a year in a county facility. In addition, fines are much heftier for misdemeanor offenses. Drunk driving is an example of a misdemeanor charge.
- Felony: The most serious criminal charges are referred to as felony offenses. Convictions can involve imprisonment in state or federal prison, restitution, and heavy fines. Several crimes fall into this category, including robbery, rape, murder, kidnapping, and drug distribution. Some felony crimes are subject to the death penalty.
Wobbler Crimes
So, how exactly do wobbler crimes fit in the equation? The term wobble seems to indicate that there is some sort of variance between the degrees of crime. In fact, this is a somewhat accurate assumption. A wobbler crime is one that fits somewhere between a misdemeanor and a felony charge. It is not as serious as a felony offense. Likewise, it is more substantial than allegations of a felony nature. What are some examples of wobbler crimes?
- Receiving stolen goods
- Conspiracy to defraud or cheat
- Assault with stun gun or Taser
Advantage of Wobbler Criminal Charges
Of course, no one is pleased with criminal allegations against them. However, here at the SRAI Law Office, we consider it a victory of sorts when our clients’ charges fall into this category. For one there is the assumption that jail time will be reduced. The remand will most likely go to county jail, considered an easier sentence than state or federal prison. Fines are prospectively lower.
Contact Us:
At the Law Offices of Gurjit Srai, we recognize the anxiety associated with criminal allegations. We encourage our clients to retain our counsel as we have solid experience. Contact us to discuss the circumstances of your case.