A misdemeanor offense is more serious than an infraction but less serious than a felony. Misdemeanors generally have jail sentences of no more than a year. In California, a misdemeanor is defined as a crime for which the maximum sentence is one year or less in county jail. Standard misdemeanors are punishable by up to six months while “gross” or “aggravated” misdemeanors are punishable by up to a year, plus fines and probation.