The majority of traffic tickets are issued for statutory violations known as “infractions.” However, the following infractions are actually considered criminal traffic misdemeanor offenses:
•Driving under the influence of drugs of alcohol
•Leaving the scene of an accident with property damage
•Driving on a suspended, cancelled or revoked drivers license (DWLSR)
•Reckless driving
In most of these cases, law enforcement will take the driver into custody. The penalties for traffic misdemeanor convictions include up to one year in county jail. If you have been accused of a criminal traffic misdemeanor, you are entitled to the same constitutional protection that is given to other criminal defendants.
However, there are also felony traffic offenses, punishable in Florida by more than one year in prison, up to the death penalty. The below traffic offenses are considered felonies:
•Driving under the influence of drugs of alcohol with 2 or more prior convictions
•Leaving the scene of an accident causing serious bodily harm or death
•Driving on a suspended, cancelled or revoked drivers license (DWLSR) with multiple convictions
•Reckless driving that results in serious physical harm or death
•DUI manslaughter
•Vehicular homicide