Chapter 1.16
GENERAL PENALTY1
Sections:
1.16.010 General penalty.
A. Misdemeanors. Unless otherwise specifically provided, any person violating any provisions or failing to comply with any of the mandatory requirements of this municipal code may be guilty of a misdemeanor. Any person convicted of a misdemeanor under this code shall be punished by a fine, or by imprisonment not to exceed six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. The maximum amount of fines assessed for misdemeanors shall not exceed the limits established in Title 4, Division 3, Chapter 2, Section 36901 of the California Government Code.
B. Infractions. Violations of any provision of this municipal code shall be a misdemeanor unless by such provision it is made an infraction. Such a violation may be presented in the name of the people of the state, or redressed by civil action. Every violation determined to be an infraction is punishable by a fine. The maximum amount of fines assessed for infractions shall not exceed the limits established in Title 4, Division 3, Chapter 2, Section 36900 of the California Government Code.
C. Occurrences. Each such person is guilty of a separate offense for each and every day during any portion of which any violation of this municipal code is committed, continued or permitted by any such person, and such person shall be punished accordingly. (Ord. 94-1762 § 1, 1994; Ord. 1651 § 1, 1987; Ord. 1217 § 1, 1973.)
1.16.015 Violations.
The violation of any of the provisions of the Covina Municipal Code may be an infraction and may be punishable as provided in CMC 1.16.010(B); provided, however, that a fourth violation of the same section, regardless of time of occurrence, shall constitute a misdemeanor and shall be punishable as provided in CMC 1.16.010(A).
Notwithstanding any other provision of this municipal code, whenever a violation of any section contained in this code is punishable as a misdemeanor, the city attorney may specify that the offense is an infraction, and proceed with prosecution as an infraction, unless the defendant objects to the offense being made an infraction, in which event the court may elect to have the complaint amended to charge as a misdemeanor, and the case shall proceed as a misdemeanor complaint. (Ord. 94-1762 § 2, 1994; Ord. 1651 § 1, 1987.)
For statutory provisions authorizing cities to impose penalties for violation of ordinances, see Title 4, Division 3, Chapter 2, of the California Government Code.