(A) Any act declared by this code to be unlawful is a misdemeanor, unless specified by a particular section that it be made an infraction. Any violation of this code may be prosecuted by the city in the name of the people of the state as a misdemeanor or an infraction, unless specifically directed by a particular section to be prosecuted as an infraction, or the same be redressed by civil action.
(B) Every violation determined 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 ordinance within one year; a fine not exceeding $500 for each additional violation of the same ordinance within one year.
(C) Every violation determined to be a misdemeanor is punishable by imprisonment in the county jail not exceeding six months, or by fine not exceeding $1,000 or by both.
(D) To the fullest extent permitted by law, the City Attorney or other prosecuting authority shall have discretion to reduce a misdemeanor violation of this code to an infraction
(1994 Code, § 1.20.010) (Ord. 75-104, passed - -1975; Ord. 89-100, passed - -1989; Ord. 96-102, passed 9-24-1996)
Statutory reference:
For statutory provisions authorizing cities to impose fines up to $1,000 or imprisonment up to six months, or both, see Cal. Government Code § 36901 and Cal. Penal Code § 19