(A) Except in cases where a different punishment is specifically prescribed elsewhere in this code, or in any code or provision adopted by reference by this code, every misdemeanor offense is punishable by imprisonment in the City or County Jail for a period not exceeding six months, or by a fine not exceeding $1,000, or by both. All misdemeanor offenses shall be cited and prosecuted as misdemeanors, unless the citing official or the City Attorney determines that it would be in the interests of justice to cite or prosecute the offense as an infraction.
(B) Except as otherwise prescribed elsewhere in this code, every offense specifically declared to be an infraction is punishable by a fine not exceeding $100 for a first violation, a fine not exceeding $200 for a second violation of the same provision within one year and a fine not exceeding $500 for each additional violation of the same provision within one year. An infraction is not punishable by imprisonment. A person charged with an infraction shall not be entitled to a trial by jury and shall not be entitled to have the public defender or other counsel appointed at public expense to represent him or her unless he or she is arrested and not released on his or her written promise to appear, his or her own recognizance or a deposit of bail.
(`78 Code, § 1.08.025.) (Ord. 2991 § 1, 2009; Ord. 1809 § 3, 1986.)
Statutory references:
For statutory provisions authorizing cities to impose fines up to $500 or imprisonment up to six months, or both, see Cal. Gov’t Code § 36901