Are all traffic tickets handled in a criminal court setting?

No, not all traffic tickets are handled in a criminal court setting in Montana. Depending on the type of infraction and the severity of the offense, a traffic ticket may instead be handled in a state or municipal court. State or municipal courts are known as courts of limited jurisdiction, meaning they typically only hear cases related to local issues, civil matters, misdemeanors, and infractions (traffic tickets). Most minor traffic violations, such as running a stop sign or making an illegal U-turn, are heard in these courts. In Montana, most traffic tickets are handled through Municipal Courts. These courts are authorized to accept guilty pleas, issue fines, and suspend drivers’ licenses when necessary. If someone either disputes their ticket or fails to pay the fine, then the case could be heard in a district court, which is a criminal court. In some cases, a traffic violation may be a criminal offense that carries a jail sentence. An example is a drunk driving charge or another violation that results in serious personal injury or death. In these cases, the accused would have to appear in a criminal court. The criminal court system in Montana is composed of district courts and the Montana Supreme Court. These courts hear felony cases, including charges for traffic violations.

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Are all traffic tickets handled in a criminal court setting?

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