How Long Can You Go To Jail for Traffic Tickets?

We’ve all been there. That sinking feeling when flashing red and blue lights fill your rearview mirror is all too familiar. You know you screwed up and this will result in a traffic ticket. Now you’re probably wondering, how long could you go to jail for traffic tickets? You might be stressed about fines, points assigned to your license, or even jail time. Let’s address those concerns and tell you everything you need to know about the possible consequences of traffic tickets. If you find yourself in legal trouble, don’t hesitate to contact the best criminal attorney Philadelphia has to offer, ensuring you have top-notch representation.

Traffic Violations: Infractions vs. Misdemeanors vs. Felonies

Not all traffic tickets are the same. There’s a big difference between a parking ticket and reckless driving, a criminal offense. Understanding the categories can help you know how long you might go to jail for a traffic ticket.

Traffic offenses fall into three main categories: infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies.

Infractions

Infractions are minor traffic violations like parking violations, some speeding tickets, and equipment issues. These usually result in fines and won’t lead to jail time.

Examples: running a red light or a seatbelt violation. Consider these as minor violations.

Misdemeanors

Misdemeanors are more serious than infractions and involve harsher penalties. Examples of misdemeanor traffic violations include reckless driving, driving with a suspended license, and driving under the influence (DUI). 

Driving with a suspended license, especially for repeat offenders, often involves fines, license suspension, and potential jail time. Jail time for a first offense can be up to 93 days, and a second offense up to a year.

Penalties become more severe for subsequent violations. Even something seemingly minor, like illegal parking running too long or moving violations, can, with court costs and a warrant issued, result in serious legal repercussions.

Felonies

Felony traffic violations are the most severe. These violations include vehicular homicide, fleeing from the police, or causing serious injury while driving under the influence. Felony traffic violations often include a court appearance.

These criminal traffic violations almost always lead to jail or prison time, hefty fines, a permanent record, and driver’s license suspension. A felony charge results from serious criminal offenses.

Examples: repeat drunk driving with prior DUI convictions and vehicular homicide caused by recklessness and excessive speed resulting in a pedestrian auto accident. Some felony cases, like vehicular homicide while intoxicated, face decades in prison.

So, How Long Do You Go to Jail for Traffic Tickets?

The answer to the question of how long do you go to jail for traffic tickets is complicated. The length of jail time, if any, depends on several factors.

The Specific Offense

The specific law you broke greatly influences the penalty. In some states, like Mississippi, felony violations like vehicular manslaughter and aggravated DUI have mandatory jail or prison sentences.

Your Driving Record

A clean driving record can help lessen penalties. Prior offenses, especially recent ones, often increase penalties for new violations. For instance, multiple instances of reckless driving establish a pattern that makes harsher punishments like license suspension more likely. Your overall driving record also includes instances of running a red light.

The State

Traffic laws and penalties vary from state to state. Even actions that may seem less serious like driving under suspension or failure to provide identification to law enforcement during a traffic stop can lead to jail time and driver’s license points in some jurisdictions. This variation underscores the importance of researching the specifics of traffic laws in your location, which can help answer the question of how long do you go to jail for traffic tickets.

The Judge

Judges have some discretion in sentencing, even with set guidelines. Mitigating circumstances, like a medical emergency, can affect the judge’s decision.

If you’re facing traffic ticket charges, take the following steps:

Address Tickets Promptly

Ignoring a ticket can lead to serious consequences, including license suspension and an arrest warrant. It’s important to learn if a warrant related to traffic tickets has been issued.

Understand Your State’s Laws

Traffic laws differ by state. Familiarize yourself with your state’s laws regarding moving violations, reckless driving, and driving on a suspended license.

Consult an Attorney

For charges beyond a basic infraction, consult a traffic lawyer, especially when facing vehicular homicide charges. They can explain the law, protect your rights, and negotiate a payment plan for fines. They can also advise on potential defenses against a person charged with driving suspended. They may also advise if it makes sense to attempt paying traffic ticket fines using some form of bond money. An attorney can explain what kind of moving violation would constitute such harsh punishment. 

Additionally, they can offer legal counsel as to when the Department of Public Safety will get notified for such violations as opposed to when just a particular court clerk or court or jurisdiction is aware. In states that do license points, an attorney could be especially useful as there could even be the possibility of going to jail based on enough speeding ticket points leading to a driver’s license revocation and other penalties after the driver gets pulled over enough times over some period.

Understanding the Repercussions

Traffic tickets are serious legal matters. Something as seemingly simple as driving with a suspended license can have severe consequences, including jail time. Understanding the potential repercussions based on your specific charge, circumstances, and state laws is crucial.

Educating yourself on possible penalties upfront and seeking legal advice can protect you and others, possibly preventing tragic situations and harsh legal punishments.

Traffic violations include everything from minor infractions to serious felony offenses, and penalties can range from small fines to decades in prison. Facing criminal charges can be daunting, but with the best DUI defense attorney in PA, you can be confident in your defense strategy.