If you commit an offense involving your motor vehicle, criminal law provisions determine how it’s handled. Depending on the type of charge, you might receive a traffic citation or the officer might arrest you. Here’s how differences between traffic infractions and offenses affect motorists in North Carolina. 

What Are Traffic Infractions?

The least serious traffic offenses are called infractions. Officers can issue traffic tickets for these offenses, such as parking violations, darkened taillights, obscured license plates, and other mechanical violations.

Generally, infractions are handled as civil citations instead of crimes, and the offenses are waivable. When waiving or giving up the right to show up in court to contest the ticket, you are admitting guilt. The state publishes a schedule of preset fines as penalties for infractions.

Misdemeanor Traffic Offenses

Misdemeanor traffic offenses are more serious than infractions. You must appear in court for many of these charges. This category of offenses includes speeding over 80 miles per hour, passing a stopped school bus, and driving while subject to an impairing substance. Punishment can include fines, jail time, and driver’s license suspensions.

Felony Traffic Offenses

Felonies are the most serious traffic offenses. Instead of receiving a ticket, you’re placed under arrest and must appear in court. If found guilty, penalties can include heavy fines, license suspension or revocation, and time in jail.

This category of traffic offenses includes vehicular manslaughter and fleeing the scene of an accident involving death or injury. You have the right to hire a private criminal law attorney or to ask the court to appoint one.

If you’re facing charges for traffic offenses, seek counsel from Moore Law Trial Lawyers of Rocky Mount, NC. For more than 20 years, they’ve helped drivers throughout eastern North Carolina protect their rights. Whether you have waivable traffic tickets or must answer to charges in court, criminal law attorney Thomas Moore and his team provide sound advice and skilled advocacy. To learn more about their services, visit their website or call (252) 443-2468 to schedule a free consultation.