If you are being charged with a crime, the offense types fall into three different levels: infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies. It is imperative that you understand the differences between them, especially misdemeanors vs. felonies.
Infractions, also known as violations
Infractions are sometimes called violations. They are smaller offenses that are usually punished by fines instead of jail time. Infractions cannot result in jail time or probation. If you are charged with an infraction, you do not have the right to a jury trial or a court-appointed attorney if you can’t afford your own representation. Traffic violations are the most common infractions.