How Do I Know If I Am Charged With A "Civil Infraction" Or A Crime?

Typical "civil infractions" include "moving violations", such as "speeding" and "failure to yield." Sometimes people get confused, when they are charged with a traffic misdemeanor, such as having invalid license plates or driving an uninsured automobile, and think that they are being charged with "civil infractions." Traffic misdemeanors are criminal offenses, and will result in a criminal record. Many traffic misdemeanors also carry "points" which will be added to the defendant's driving record, and some require the suspension or revocation of a driver's license. If you are ticketed for a "misdemeanor," the ticket will likely reflect the nature of the charge, and you will be required to appear in court. If the charge is a "civil infraction," you typically will not have to go to court if you pay a fine by mail. Read the ticket carefully.