While all traffic violations should be taken seriously, some can have a bigger impact on your life than others. Most people assume that all traffic tickets are civil, but there are some vehicular citations that are actually criminal. Certain traffic violations can actually lead to a permanent criminal record. Though traffic tickets are handled in traffic court, criminal charges must be heard in criminal court. Understanding which traffic violations are considered criminal can prove very helpful to anyone who may find themselves in such a situation.
Criminal Traffic Violations
Criminal traffic violations are so serious because they can actually result in large fines, jail time, license suspensions, and even a misdemeanor (or even felony) on your record. In fact, even minor traffic violations can lead to criminal charges.
The most common traffic misdemeanor is driving with a suspended or revoked license. In just 2017, there were over half of a million traffic convictions for driving without a license. If an individual fails to pay the fine required for a traffic citation within the allotted amount of time, their driver’s license will automatically be suspended. If an individual has any outstanding traffic citations, they may end up charged with this violation.
These violations include:
- Reckless Driving
- Driving While Intoxicated
- Driving with a Suspended or Revoked License
- Operating a Vehicle with a Suspended Registration
- Committing a Traffic Violation Causing Bodily Injury
- Leaving the Scene of an Accident
- Evading Police/Law Enforcement Officers
For commercial vehicle drivers, these violations can also include:
- Equipment violations
- Other Violations of Laws (e.g. displaying a special tax stamp in their vehicle)
One of the biggest differences between civil traffic violations and criminal traffic violations is that individuals who have received criminal charges are required to appear in court. Where you may resolve civil traffic tickets by sending in payment along with the copy of your citation, this is not so for any criminal charges.
The Lawyers at AutoTrafficTickets.com Help Those in New York Who Have Been Issued a Criminal Traffic Violation
Since misdemeanor (and felony) laws can be so complex, it is so important to consult with a knowledgeable and experienced New York Traffic Attorney. These individuals understand what is at stake and can help to reduce your fines, advocate for a conditional or temporary license, or even help to get your charges eliminated altogether. In certain situations, they can even help to prevent charges and convictions from showing up on your criminal record.
If you or a loved one has been charged with a criminal traffic violation, it is important that you act as quickly as possible in order to recall the specific details of the incident, which could help to establish a defense for your case. To learn more or to schedule a consultation, call the attorneys of AutoTrafficTickets.com today!
Posted in: Traffic Violations