What is the difference between a traffic violation and a criminal offense?

A traffic violation and a criminal offense are two different types of offenses. A traffic violation is a direct violation of a traffic law. Examples of traffic violations include speeding, running a red light, failing to yield, and illegal turns. These are all offenses that can be observed by law enforcement when driving, and which typically result in a citation and/or a fine. A criminal offense, on the other hand, is a broader category of offense including acts that are classified as criminal by state or federal law. Criminal offenses may involve the breaking of a law that carries a serious consequence, such as jail time. Examples of criminal offenses include DUI, burglary, assault, and possession of illegal substances. The main difference between a traffic violation and a criminal offense is the severity of the penalty. Traffic violations normally result in a citation or a fine, while criminal offenses result in the possibility of jail time. The fines associated with traffic violations are typically much lower than the fines or potential jail time associated with criminal offenses. Additionally, criminal offenses typically require proof of intent, while traffic violations do not.

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What is the difference between a traffic violation and a criminal offense?

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