What is the difference under California law between a misdemeanor and a felony?

The definition of a felony in California is a crime that is punishable by imprisonment for 16 months or more. A misdemeanor is a crime that is punishable by imprisonment in the county jail of one year or less. Felony convictions are more serious crimes than misdemeanors, as they frequently require formal felony probation, supervision by a probation officer, and the loss of certain civil liberties (voting, serving on jury, possessing a firearm).