Infractions vs. Misdemeanors

When a peace officer signals you to pull over, do so at the next safe spot on the shoulder or roadside. The officer will approach the passenger side of your vehicle and ask for your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance.

In most cases, the officer will write you a traffic ticket and ask you to sign it before he gives you your copy. By signing, you are not admitting guilt; you are simply agreeing to appear in court. The appearance date is noted on the front of the ticket.

An infraction is the breaking of a law. If an officer witnesses you fail to stop at a stop sign, drive above the speed limit, or make an illegal U-turn, for example, you will be given a ticket with a notice to appear in court or pay a fine.

Misdemeanors are more serious crimes such as driving without a license, drag racing, DUI, and reckless driving. If you are ticketed for a misdemeanor, you are required to appear in court. You could get jail time―so you might want to hire an attorney to assist you with your case.

Infractions are tied to a point amount and once you get too many points on your driving record, or in some cases when the violations are extreme in nature, the courts or the DMV can suspend or revoke your driver’s license. If you do not know the status of your license, you can order a copy of your driving record.

Getting a ticket

No one likes getting a ticket.  When we first get one, we are consumed with different types of emotions.  Those ranging from pissed off to no way this isn’t right.  Regardless of the reason or circumstances the first thing that you need to do is look at the ticket.

Read your “Notice to Appear”.  There you will find:

  • The name of the court that will decide your case;
  • The deadline to pay the ticket or go to court; and
  • What you must do to respond to the ticket.

The Court’s address is on your “Notice to Appear”.  If it’s not on your ticket, you can find the address for your local court on the Web.

For a “Notice to Appear” ticket, call the court listed on the ticket or look for the Traffic Department in the Government Pages of your phone book.  Or get their phone number from the court’s website.

If you got a ticket for an infraction like running a stop sign, you can probably do everything you need by mail.