People can be dismissive of seemingly minor violations of the law. Particularly when accusations relate to conduct in traffic, they may think nothing of pleading guilty to the charges they face. That is effectively what happens when someone pays a traffic citation. The ticket is an official notice of a violation of traffic statutes. By paying the fine, the motorist cited effectively enters a guilty plea.
In some scenarios, the state may bring actual criminal charges against a motorist instead of just issuing a ticket. If they plead guilty to keep the case out of court, they may face more than just fines. The courts might impose a sentence of incarceration or probation. A driver may also have a criminal record that turns up whenever an employer or a landlord performs a background check in the future.
What traffic violations might lead to criminal charges rather than a simple ticket?
Driving without a license
Those who have not obtained a license and those with a suspended or revoked license cannot legally drive on public roads. Anyone pulled over by a police officer without a current, valid driver’s license is at risk of criminal prosecution. Those with multiple violations may face more serious penalties than a first-time offender. Driving without a license is a criminal offense even if the unlicensed driver gets caught due to a traffic stop, not because they caused a crash.
Reckless or aggressive driving
The state prohibits overtly dangerous behavior in traffic, such as stunt driving or drag racing. The law also allows police officers to arrest people for road rage incidents in which they behave inappropriately due to their frustration with traffic conditions. Those arrested for aggressive or reckless driving may face penalties ranging from driver’s license suspension to incarceration and probation. Repeat offenders may be at risk of more serious penalties. The courts may also impose maximum penalties in cases where aggressive or reckless driving leads to a crash that injures another party.
Impaired driving
Driving while impaired charges are misdemeanor offenses in some cases and felony offenses in others. First-time violations may lead to misdemeanor charges, but those with multiple prior DWI convictions might face felony charges. Prosecutors can also bring felony charges against those who cause collisions that injure or kill other people because they are under the influence.
Serious traffic violations can result in more than an increase in insurance rates. Choosing to fight traffic-related criminal charges can be a smart decision for those who care about their driving privileges, reputation and freedom.