Legal Definitions - wobbler

A wobbler is a type of crime that can be classified as either a felony or a misdemeanor, depending on the severity of the offense and the discretion of the court. This means that the punishment for a wobbler can range from imprisonment in county jail to a term in state prison, as well as fines.

Examples of wobbler crimes include assault with a deadly weapon, vehicular manslaughter, money laundering, and defacement of property with graffiti. In California, petty theft can also be considered a wobbler if the defendant has a history of theft-related crimes.

The court's decision to classify a crime as a felony or misdemeanor is based on various factors, such as the nature and circumstances of the offense, the defendant's attitude towards the offense, and the general objectives of sentencing. The court has broad discretion in making this decision.

Overall, wobblers are a unique class of crimes that require careful consideration by the court to ensure that the punishment fits the severity of the offense.