For those who have been arrested and charged with an infraction, you may wonder what your charges actually detail. Infractions have a wide range of different charges which typically are considered a minor violation of an ordinance, municipal code, or even administrative regulation. Ajua Bail Bonds will share and help define infraction charges and what to expect for those who have been arrested and charged with infractions.
Definition of Infraction
An infraction is sometimes also referred to as a petty offense which some might find themselves arrested for. Typically, though, in most cases this offense rarely demands jail time. Infractions are regarded as a civil offense rather than a criminal offense. However, depending on the number of recorded infractions or the severity of the offense, sometimes jail time does occur. Some offenses that fall under infractions are littering, jaywalking, disturbing the peace, drinking in public, operating a business without proper license, building permit violations, or even fishing without a license. Some states recently added drug violations to the list of infractions as well. California is one of these states. Those possessing less then a once of marijuana illegally are committing an infraction. Some may get arrested. Even so, this offense doesn’t often lead to jail time. The only time it may occur is when a drug offense is combined with multiple offenses, or the individual has prior felonies or misdemeanors when found in possession of illegal drugs.
Penalty for Infractions
Most penalties, when one has committed an infraction, usually results in a fine. In some cases you may even need to appear in court depending on the nature of the individual’s offense. If you are guilty of an infraction, you may be arrested or just ticketed. When a citation is issued there is some important information you should be aware of in the event you have to appear in court. Some information you will want to make note of when receiving a citation is the citation number, the description of the offense along with any other relevant laws or codes, the officer’s name, the location of the court house, and any other instruction concerning appearing in court and relative fines. In the event of a citation, with or without an arrest, you can expect a few different things that will take place before a judge. One is that you can admit you’re guilty and you’re willing to pay the fine. Or you can justify your actions and explain them. In this event, the citation may be dropped or the judge may still require you to pay the fine. You can also bypass a hearing and request an informal hearing where you, the officer, and a magistrate, resolve the citation by either paying the fine or explaining your actions. Lastly, you can also hire a lawyer to represent you and request a court hearing to settle the matter for you. This is an option for minor infraction offenses.
Bail Bond Services in Selma & Fresno County, Atwater & Merced County, Visalia & Tulare County, Hanford & Kings County, Madera County and the Central Valley of California
Infraction is a lesser offense you can commit in which you may or may not be arrested. If you have committed serious enough infractions, and have found yourself sitting in a local jail, contact Ajua Bail Bonds. We can help get you or a loved one out of jail fast. If you need a bail bond, remember Ajua Bail Bonds is ready to help you. Contact Ajua Bail Bonds today.
