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What Constitutes a Misdemeanor Traffic Violation in Springfield?
While most traffic offenses are the result of relatively non-dangerous violations (often called infractions), sometimes traffic violations can become elevated to the level of a misdemeanor, such as instances of:
- Injury or threat of injury to a person
- Damage or threat of damage to property
These kinds of offenses are different than mere traffic infractions in that they result in harsher penalties. Fines resulting from misdemeanor traffic violations can be as high as $10,000, and some can involve jail time.
What Constitutes a Felony Traffic Violation in Springfield?
These tend to be issued when traffic violations result in serious bodily injury or substantial damage to property. DWI-related driving violations also commonly result in felony charges.
In any jurisdiction, felonies are typically the most serious crimes with which one can be charged. Almost all jurisdictions will issue felony traffic charges for the following actions:
- Hit and run traffic offenses
- Certain repeat offenses (driving repeatedly without a license)
- Multiple DWIs
- Vehicular manslaughter
Felonies are crimes that are, by definition, punishable by a prison sentence exceeding one year. A traffic felony will also most likely result in fines exceeding several thousand dollars. They also commonly come with:
- A permanent mark on one’s criminal record
- Firearms prohibition
- Suspension or complete recocation of one’s driving privileges