Infractions are the least serious offenses, but are still prosecuted in Connecticut criminal courts by criminal prosecutors, just like felonies and misdemeanors. With these infractions you will have the same rights defending against infractions that you would have defending against criminal charges.

These Include:

  • You have the right to remain silent.
  • You have the right to be defended by an attorney you hire.
  • You have the right to plead guilty or not guilty.
  • You have the right to make the state prove you guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a trial before a judge but not before a jury.

Infractions may seem like crimes but the State of Connecticut does not see them as such. If you do plead guilty to an infraction or are convicted after a trial, a judge can order you to pay a fine but you cannot be sent to jail.

If you have only been convicted of infractions and you are asked if you have been convicted of a crime, your answer is no. This is important for all kinds of applications for: jobs, schools, loans, insurance, housing, and more.

Motor Vehicle Infractions

Now there are infractions in Connecticut, like creating a public disturbance or possession of alcohol by a minor. And the most common infractions are motor vehicle infractions. As with all infractions, motor vehicle infractions are only punishable by a fine, and no jail time is at stake.

However there can be other consequences when it comes to an infraction conviction. Depending on the motor vehicle infraction you could potentially have consequences like getting your driver’s license suspended. This is also true for convictions of certain non-motor vehicle infractions such as possession of alcohol by a minor.

Now there are cases where you might not get your driver’s license suspended, but you might result in points against your driver’s license. This can have an affect on your automobile insurance.

Unless you are certain that pleading guilty to a particular infraction will not have other negative consequences for you, you should speak to an experienced criminal defense lawyer.

Speak to an Experienced Law Attorney Today

Contact the Law Offices of Keith Anthony at (860) 333-6455. Attorney Keith Anthony can help you navigate thru this process, step by step and is open to assist you.  If negotiations fail we can arrange mediation of your disputes. We can help you make agreements that can be filed with the court.