An infraction is a non-criminal offense, always very minor in nature. If convicted of an infraction, you can’t be sentenced to jail – a fine of less than $100 (plus court costs) is the maximum punishment allowable for an infraction.
An infraction doesn’t count as a criminal record. Because an infraction is so minor, many people represent themselves on infractions. However, sometimes it makes sense to hire a lawyer if you don’t want to appear in court, and you just want to get the fine paid and done with.
Here’s the statute:
14-3.1. Infraction defined; sanctions.
(a) An infraction is a noncriminal violation of law not punishable by
imprisonment. Unless otherwise provided by law, the sanction for a person found responsible for an infraction is a penalty of not more than one hundred dollars ($100.00).
The proceeds of penalties for infractions are payable to the county in which the infraction occurred for the use of the public schools.
Raleigh criminal lawyer Damon Chetson helps individuals charged with crimes - misdemeanors, felonies, and DWI and traffic charges - in Raleigh, Cary, Apex and other communities in Wake County and the Research Triangle of North Carolina. Durham DWI lawyer Damon Chetson also represents people throughout the Research Triangle. We are available day or night, weekdays or weekends. Call (919) 352-9411 day or night.
