TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS

Traffic violations may be crimes or may be classified as violations and not considered part of the criminal law.

Where they are crimes, they are typically considered the lowest level of misdemeanor and are generally only punished by a fine. However, some traffic violations can rise to the level of more serious crimes, such as vehicular homicide or leaving the scene of an accident, which will be felonies.

For example, driving over the speed limit is usually classified as an infraction in those systems that use the infraction category and as a minor misdemeanor in those systems that do not. If driving over the speed limit is classified as a misdemeanor, it is technically a crime, but often such crimes are excluded from consideration in a person's criminal record.

Whether speeding is an infraction or a crime, it is usually punished by a fine. A common scheme is for the fine to increase in proportion to the amount over the speed limit for which the ticket is written.

Most jurisdictions indicate the amount of the fine on the ticket and often give instructions for pleading guilty and paying the fine by mail, or showing up for a court date to disput it. The offender may have to pay a special fee to receive a hearing or trial on the ticket.

For more information about Bradley Johnson Attorneys, or to contact us about your case, click here.