Are all traffic tickets handled in a criminal court setting?

No, not all traffic tickets are handled in a criminal court setting in the District of Columbia. Most traffic tickets, such as parking tickets and speeding tickets, are handled through the Washington, D.C. Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Drivers who receive traffic tickets, such as those for running a red light or failing to yield, may choose to appear in traffic court or simply pay the associated fines. If a driver opts to appear in traffic court, the ticket will be handled in a civil court setting. Depending on the type and severity of the offense, the driver may be required to pay a fine or appear in court. In court, the defendant will have the opportunity to plead guilty or not guilty and the judge will review the case to determine the ruling. In certain cases, traffic offenses can be treated as criminal offenses and may be handled in a criminal court setting. For instance, driving under the influence (DUI) is considered a criminal offense and is typically heard in a criminal court with a jury. The District of Columbia also considers reckless driving, such as drag racing or driving at an excessively high rate of speed, to be a criminal offense that will be handled in a criminal court setting.

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Are all traffic tickets handled in a criminal court setting?

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