What characterizes an infraction?

An infraction is characterized as a violation of the law that is less severe than a misdemeanor or felony. Such violations are typically punishable by fines, community service, or other non-custodial penalties rather than imprisonment. This distinction underscores the relative insignificance of an infraction in the context of the legal system.

For example, common infractions include minor traffic violations like speeding or not wearing a seatbelt. These actions do not typically carry the possibility of jail time, which further emphasizes that the appropriate response to an infraction is often a financial penalty or a warning, rather than incarceration. Understanding this classification helps individuals comprehend the varying degrees of legal violations and their associated consequences.