Do you know the difference between misdemeanor traffic violations and felony violations? Most people do not truly understand the difference, and whenever they have been hit with a ticket from the police, they tend to imagine the worst possible outcome. However, you will find that many of the violations are misdemeanors, and even though they can be problematic, they are nowhere near as serious as felonies.
What’s a Misdemeanor?
These are criminal offenses, but the worst sentence you can receive is 364 days in a county correctional facility, fines up to $2,500 or both. Felonies are far more serious, as you could be sent to prison for a very long time. Even though the misdemeanors might not seem as serious, they can still be very problematic. You should always make sure you are in contact with the best traffic violation lawyers to help you with your case.
Common Driving Violation Misdemeanors
There are many different types of driving violations that would be qualified as misdemeanors. However, it is important to remember that there could still be aggravating factors that could have you charged as a felony. For example, DUI is typically classified as a misdemeanor, but if you were involved in a serious accident that caused injuries or another person’s death, or you did not have insurance, they would be considered aggravating factors. You would likely be charged with a felony in cases like those.
Another misdemeanor is speeding. Many people believe that if you are going beyond a certain speed above the posted limit it is a felony, but that’s not the case. In Illinois, there are two separate types of misdemeanors for this – Class A and Class B. The Class A misdemeanor for speeding or going more than 40 mph over the speed limit, carries with it up to a year in jail and/or the maximum fine.
Less serious offenses are typically called citations, and they are not as serious as misdemeanors. Improper lane usage is an example of a citation.
If you have any issues with a traffic violation, a traffic lawyer can help you understand exactly what you need to do and what the potential outcome will be. The attorneys at Driver Defense Team have the experience and knowledge necessary to help you with these types of legal issues no matter how large or small they might be.
