(ThyBlackMan.com) In today’s time, it is almost necessary to own a vehicle. It would be almost impossible to usher your kids back and forth to school, get to and from work, and accomplish daily errands without a vehicle. It is also safe to say that crime is rising in certain cities. Just like criminal law, there are also traffic laws. You probably understand this, but if you aren’t a major offender, you probably don’t really understand how the two differ. Criminal cases are held to a much higher standard and judged differently than traffic violations.
Mostly Minor Offenses
When it comes to traffic violations most of them are minor offenses. This could include anything from parking in the no-parking zone,
getting a speeding ticket, or running a stop light. Most of the time, these charges will just require the paying of a ticket and you can go on about your business. However, if you accumulate enough of these tickets, you will be forced to appear in court just like you would have to with a criminal charge. There are also more serious traffic violations like DUIs or DWIs. You can also even be charged with manslaughter if you hit and kill someone while you are under the influence.
You Don’t Always Need A Lawyer
When you are dealing with most traffic violations you simply don’t need a lawyer. As mentioned above, you can simply pay the fine and go on about your business. However, if this is a time when you have to appear before the court you can do so. For instance, if you get a speeding ticket, you have the option of fighting it. You can appear before a judge, state your case, and he or she will rule. The opposing officer will be present and he or she will present their case as well, but for these cases, you do not need a lawyer. However, when it comes to criminal charges you are most certainly going to be looking at criminal charges and it would be highly advisable to bring along a skilled and knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer.
Criminal Cases Require Litigation And Juries
If you are arrested for a DUI, you will be granted the right to take the case before a jury. However, if you are dealing with parking tickets, speeding tickets, or other traffic violations, you will only be granted a bench trial. This is like the scenario described above. The judge will be the sole decider of the case. This isn’t the case when it comes to criminal cases. Just above every criminal case out there is going to require you to appear before a trail of your peers. Juries can work against you and they can work in your favor. Since you are already branded a criminal by the law there is a good chance that they are going to work against you in this case. Simply put, at the end of the day most traffic violations aren’t considered criminal acts under the law, but criminal charges are most certainly considered criminal acts.
Staff Writer; Peter Brown
