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Civil misdemeanors are non-criminal violations that usually result in fines or fees. They can vary widely by jurisdiction and failure to pay can result in serious consequences. Traffic citations and municipal offenses are common examples, with specific rules for behavior in public areas and homes. Contesting a summons usually involves a brief court appearance. Some regions have strange ordinances that cause unusual civil infractions.
A civil misdemeanor is a non-criminal violation of a rule or ordinance that usually results in a fine or fee. There are many types of civil infractions, which can vary widely by jurisdiction. Civil misdemeanors rarely carry prison sentences or require a jury trial, however failure to pay a civil misdemeanor summons can result in more serious consequences and higher fines.
Many traffic citations are considered misdemeanors rather than felonies. Speeding, for example, is a violation of an ordinance, making it a misdemeanor, while drunk driving is usually a violation of a law and can be considered a felony. Other traffic offenses include failing to use a seat belt, failing to enforce the right of way, parking violations, or misusing a carpool lane. It’s important to remember that what is considered a misdemeanor in some regions may actually be a misdemeanor in others. Complying with traffic laws and driving safely is a good way to avoid being charged with a traffic offense or traffic offence.
A municipal civil offense can occur when a person violates a local ordinance, such as the no smoking in public spaces law. There are dozens of municipal infractions, generally quite specific to each area. If you’re moving to a new area, it might be a good idea to research your local ordinances before getting into trouble.
Some infractions concern the proper use of public areas. In lakes, for example, people may only be allowed to use certain boats or fish during a certain time of year. Parks may have ordinances that protect against littering or prevent people from drinking alcohol or having informal concerts or performances without a permit. Failure to comply with these rules may result in a fine or expulsion from the area.
Civil infractions can also affect behavior in a citizen’s home or residence. Some areas, for example, have specific rules about how many or what kinds of pets a person can keep on their property. In some regions it is forbidden to own roosters, as their early crows may be considered a nuisance by neighbours. Being found in violation of civil infractions relating to animals can result in a fine and surrender of the animals.
Generally, a person who is given a civil misdemeanor summons must pay a fine to the local court. Those wishing to contest the case usually receive a brief court appearance to plead their case before a local judge. Failure to pay fines or fail to appear in court can result in a significant increase in the fine, as well as license suspension and other penalties.
There’s a long and funny history of extravagant ordinances around the world that cause a variety of strange civil infractions. In Hollywood, it is an infraction to drive more than 2,000 sheep down Hollywood Boulevard much to the relief of tourists and celebrities. An Everett, Washington city ordinance makes it illegal to place a hypnotized person in a display case. It is not known whether these ordinances were ever violated.
