Legal Consequences • Know Your Rights

Can You Go to Jail for a Traffic Ticket?

Short answer: No, not for most traffic tickets. 95% of traffic tickets in Florida are civil violations (fines only). But some violations ARE criminal. Here's the complete explanation.

95%

Are Civil (No Jail)

Criminal (Possible Jail)

Speeding Jail Risk

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Key Facts (Don't Panic)

Most Tickets = No Jail

Speeding, red lights, stop signs are civil - fine only

Some ARE Criminal

DUI, reckless driving, suspended license

Know the Difference

We explain civil vs criminal below

We Can Help Either Way

Civil or criminal, we defend both

Civil vs Criminal Traffic Violations (Simple Explanation)

Civil Violations

What it means: You pay a fine and get points on your license. No jail time is possible. Like a parking ticket but for moving violations.

Common Civil Violations:

✓ Speeding (all speeds)
✓ Red light violations
✓ Stop sign violations
✓ Improper lane change
✓ Following too closely
✓ Equipment violations
✓ Expired registration
✓ Most moving violations

✅ These CANNOT result in jail time

Criminal Violations

What it means: These are crimes, not just tickets. You can face jail time, probation, and a criminal record. Much more serious.

Criminal Traffic Violations:

⚠️ DUI/DWI
⚠️ Reckless driving
⚠️ Leaving accident scene (hit & run)
⚠️ Driving on suspended license
⚠️ Fleeing/eluding police
⚠️ Racing on public roads
⚠️ Vehicular manslaughter

⚠️ These CAN result in jail time

Special Cases That Can Lead to Jail

Even if your original ticket was civil, these situations can turn it into a criminal matter:

Failure to Appear in Court

If you elect to go to court but don't show up, a bench warrant can be issued. This can lead to arrest. Solution: Hire us to appear for you - you never have to go.

Driving on Suspended License

If you don't pay your ticket, your license gets suspended (D6). If you drive anyway, that's a CRIMINAL charge with possible jail time. First offense: up to 60 days jail.

Multiple Failures to Appear

Missing multiple court dates can result in contempt of court charges. This is criminal. Can result in arrest and jail time.

Lying to Police Officer

Giving false information (fake name, address, or license) turns a simple ticket into a criminal charge. Always provide truthful information.

How to Avoid All Jail Risk

What NOT to Do

Don't drive on suspended license: Check your status online first
Don't miss court dates: Warrants can be issued
Don't ignore tickets: They don't go away
Don't lie to officers: Truthful info only

What TO Do

Fight the ticket immediately: Get it dismissed before any problems
Hire attorney for court: We appear so you don't risk missing dates
Check license status online: Know if you're suspended
Act within 30 days: Don't let it escalate

💡 Best protection: Get your ticket dismissed. No conviction = no points = no suspension = no jail risk. Our AI finds dismissible defects in 60 seconds.

Avoid All Legal Risk - Get Your Ticket Dismissed

Dismissed = no conviction, no jail risk, no problems. 97% success rate.

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