Posted on June 12, 2017 in Crime,Traffic Violations

How Does a Criminal Traffic Violation Differ from a Traffic Infraction?

Traffic Infractions

A majority of traffic tickets are simply infractions—that is, minor violations of traffic laws or certain mechanical problems that don’t necessarily pose an immediate danger to others. Examples of infractions include:

• Tailgating
• Driving through a stop sign
• Driving above the posted speed limit
• A non-functioning light or turn signal

An infraction is a non-criminal traffic violation. The officer writes you a ticket, and you send in a payment; or if you think the officer was mistaken, you can request a hearing in traffic court. An infraction is a minor civil offense and does not leave you with a criminal record, although you may get points on your license.

Criminal Traffic Violations

Some traffic violations, however, are much more dangerous and put lives at stake, damage someone else’s property, cause an injury or fatality, or create a danger of injury or death to others. These are charged as criminal offenses, which can be either misdemeanors or felonies, depending on their seriousness. If you are convicted of a criminal traffic offense, you could spend some time in jail, pay larger fines than those levied for infractions, and face other penalties, including traffic school, loss of your license, community service, and probation.

Misdemeanor Traffic Violations

The less serious criminal traffic violations are misdemeanors. These include:

• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Failing to stop at the scene of an accident
• Driving without a valid driver’s license
• Driving without insurance
• Reckless driving
• Criminal speeding

Felony Traffic Violations

Felonies are very serious crimes for which you can spend time in a state prison, among other serious penalties. Any crime that comes with a potential term of imprisonment of one year or more is, by definition, a felony. In addition, you may lose some of your civil rights as a convicted felon, including your right to vote, your right to hold public office, and your right to own a firearm. A convicted felon may have very limited employment opportunities and may have trouble obtaining housing or financial aid for higher education.

Examples of traffic violations charged as felonies include:

• Vehicular homicide
• Leaving the scene of an accident with injuries or fatalities
• Aggravated DUI (DUI with a suspended license, with two or more prior DUIs in a seven-year period, or with a minor under age fifteen in the vehicle, or with blood alcohol content greater than .15 percent. Talk with a multiple DUI defense attorney as soon as possible to build a case.)

Contact the Criminal Defense Lawyers at Orent Law Offices In Phoenix To Get Legal Assistance Today

For more information, contact the criminal defense attorney Craig Orent. Give us a call at (480) 656-7301 or visit our law office at 11811 N Tatum Blvd UNIT 3031, Phoenix, AZ 85028. We offer a free case evaluation, so get the help you deserve today.