What is the consequence for a “wobbler” offense if prosecuted as a felony?

A "wobbler" offense refers to a crime that can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on various factors such as the circumstances of the offense, the defendant's prior criminal history, and the discretion of the prosecutor. When such an offense is prosecuted as a felony, the consequences include potential imprisonment for more than one year, which is a key characteristic of felonies under California law.

The significance of this classification is that felonies typically carry more severe penalties, including longer prison sentences, compared to misdemeanors. In California, a felony conviction can result in imprisonment in state prison for a period exceeding one year, reflecting the seriousness of the offense.

Other choices, such as fines, probation, or no repercussions, do not accurately represent the consequences associated with wobbler offenses pursued as felonies. While fines might apply and probation could sometimes be granted, these options do not encompass the primary legal ramifications of being charged with a felony, particularly in terms of imprisonment length and severity.