Traffic tickets can be called different things depending on the gravity of the offense. Infractions refer to common traffic violations, such as having a broken headlight or going a little over the speed limit. Infractions carry fines and other costs to pay, but no risk of jail time.
Misdemeanors are more serious traffic violations. They include reckless driving charges, DUIs, and DWIs. Misdemeanor offenses carry harsher fines, larger penalties for your driver’s license, and sometimes up to a year in jail.
Felonies related to accidents have even stronger penalties, including prison time for several years. You can usually only be charged with a felony if someone was killed or severely injured in an accident. For example, a DWI that results in the death of passengers may rise to a felony. This is more likely to happen when the driver in question has previous arrests for the same offense.
One of the ways a traffic lawyer in Fairfax, VA, can help your case is by having a misdemeanor or felony reduced in severity. That can prevent having to spend time in prison and make it easier for you to keep your driver’s license.