What is a wobbler?

Asked by: Prof. Sammie Thiel MD  |  Last update: February 19, 2022
Score: 4.5/5 (25 votes)

A wobbler is a special class of crimes involving conduct that varies widely in its level of seriousness. ... For example, petty theft, which is generally a misdemeanor, becomes a wobbler when the defendant has previously served a prison term for committing specific theft-related crimes.

What felonies are wobblers?

Some of the most common California wobbler crimes include:
  • Penal Code 192(c)(1) and (2), vehicular manslaughter,
  • Penal Code 243.4 sexual battery.
  • Penal Code 245(a)(1), assault with a deadly weapon (ADW)
  • Penal Code 261.5, “statutory rape”
  • Penal Code 271, child endangerment.
  • Penal Code 273.5, spousal battery,

What does infraction mean in law?

Infraction has multiple legal meanings. Generally it refers to violations or infringements; or breach of statutes, contracts, or obligations. ... Although it is considered an offense in the criminal justice system, it is among the most minor offenses.

What is a misdemeanor in legal terms?

A misdemeanor is a type of offense punishable under criminal law. A misdemeanor is typically a crime punishable by less than 12 months in jail. Community service, probation, fines, and imprisonment for less than a year are commonly issued punishments for misdemeanors.

Is robbery a wobbler?

Robbery is always a felony under California law. It is not a “wobbler” offense which can later be reduced to a misdemeanor. In most cases, a robbery conviction will also qualify as a “strike” under California's three-strikes law.

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What is a California wobbler?

A wobbler offense, also called an “alternative felony/misdemeanor offense,” is a crime that can be charged or punished as either a felony or a misdemeanor in California. ... In addition, a defendant convicted of a wobbler felony may choose to file a petition with the court to reduce the conviction to a misdemeanor.

How do wobblers work?

In criminal law, a “wobbler” refers to a crime that can be punished as either a felony or a misdemeanor. ... Usually, the prosecutor decides how they will charge the defendant, and the judge decides how to sentence the individual charged with the crime (though judges can also reduce the charge prior to sentencing).

How long does a misdemeanor stay on your record?

A misdemeanor stays on your record for life unless you successfully petition for expungement. There is no preset “expiration date” for misdemeanor crimes. Even though misdemeanor offenses are less serious than felonies, they are still serious breaches in the eyes of the law.

What crimes are misdemeanors?

Common examples of misdemeanor crimes include simple assault, shoplifting, trespassing, disorderly conduct, petty theft, and other low-level offenses.

Can you go to jail for a misdemeanor?

For a misdemeanor, the maximum charges can be up to a year of jail time. For a felony, you could go to prison for more than 12 months. ... For example, depending on the level of severity, a misdemeanor can be raised to a felony.

What is the most serious type of crime?

Felonies are the most serious type of crime and are often classified by degrees, with a first degree felony being the most serious. They include terrorism, treason, arson, murder, rape, robbery, burglary, and kidnapping, among others.

What criminal can be considered as infraction?

Criminal infractions are the least serious class of crimes and fall below misdemeanors in severity. They include traffic stops for minor moving violations and other low-level misconduct. Other names for infractions include petty misdemeanors, petty offenses, and violations.

Which classes of crime are not punishable by incarceration?

Infractions (sometimes called violations) are petty offenses that are typically punishable by fines, but not jail time. Because infractions cannot result in a jail sentence or even probation, defendants charged with infractions do not have a right to a jury trial.

Is Grand theft a wobbler?

PC 487 grand theft is a "wobbler" that can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony. ... A misdemeanor grand theft conviction is punishable by: up to one year in county jail, a fine up to $1,000.

Which states have the 3 strike law?

Which States Have a Three Strikes Law?
  • Arkansas (since 1995);
  • Arizona (since 2005);
  • California (since 1994);
  • Colorado (since 1994);
  • Connecticut (since 1994);
  • Delaware (since 1973);
  • Florida (since 1995);
  • Georgia (since 1994);

Is PC 245 a wobbler?

A violation of PC 245(a)(4) is what is known as a wobbler offense under California law, meaning that it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. If charged as a misdemeanor, the crime is punishable by: imprisonment in the county jail for up to one year; and/or, a maximum fine of $10,000.

What is the most common misdemeanor?

Common misdemeanors include possession of controlled substances or drugs, petty theft, vandalism, perjury, prostitution, indecent exposure, trespassing, basic assault, resisting arrest, public intoxication, and DUI (Driving under the Influence).

Is drunk driving a felony?

Generally, it's possible to be convicted of a DUI as a misdemeanor or a felony. A standard first offense is almost always going to be a misdemeanor. But a DUI offender who kills or seriously injures another person is typically looking at felony charges—even if it's the person's first offense.

How is misdemeanor pronounced?

Here are 4 tips that should help you perfect your pronunciation of 'misdemeanor':
  1. Break 'misdemeanor' down into sounds: [MIS] + [DI] + [MEE] + [NUH] - say it out loud and exaggerate the sounds until you can consistently produce them.
  2. Record yourself saying 'misdemeanor' in full sentences, then watch yourself and listen.

Does your criminal record clear after 7 years?

¦ Your criminal record can be expunged if 10 years have lapsed after the date of your conviction of your offence. ... ¦ Your record can be expunged after five years for other cases, unless you were ordered to pay restitution.

How do you expunge a misdemeanor?

To expunge a misdemeanor case, an application or petition for expungement is filed to the court that initially handled the criminal case. The district attorney or prosecutor's office must also be served with notification of your request.

How far back do background checks go?

4 answers. 5 years. However this might changed based on the role you are applying for.

What are Doberman wobblers?

Wobbler syndrome is a disease of the neck (the cervical spine) that is seen in large and giant breeds of dog. ... Doberman pinschers and other large-breed dogs with wobbler syndrome usually present to the veterinarian for clinical symptoms when they are a bit older- the mean age of onset is 6 years.

How are wobblers diagnosed in dogs?

How is wobbler syndrome diagnosed? Plain X-Rays of the cervical spine may show abnormal bony proliferation in the bones of the neck suggestive of cervical stenotic myelopathy. Advanced imaging, such as myelogram/CT or MRI, is required to image the spinal cord and characterize the degree of spinal cord compression.

Are wobblers hereditary?

Wobbler syndrome is primarily genetic in cause, however dietary factors may be contributory.