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.