Criminal Defense FAQ

Wouldn't longer sentences mean less overall crime?
Is there a way to punish a criminal before he actually commits the crime he is planning?
Are all illegal drugs treated equally when it comes to punishing drug dealers?
Can a person be guilty of drunk driving if he has had only one drink?
What is the role of the federal government in criminal law?
Are grand jury proceedings secret?
Are there special crimes to control children's behavior?
What is the difference between probation and parole?
How does a assistant state attorney decide which criminals to charge?
Is driving over the speed limit a crime?
Can only businesspersons be charged with white-collar crimes?

Is driving over the speed limit a crime?
Traffic violations can be felonies, misdemeanors, or infractions. Felonies and misdemeanors are crimes, but infractions are usually not thought to be part of the criminal justice system. Driving over the speed limit is usually classified as an infraction in those systems that use the infraction category and as a minor misdemeanor in the systems that do not. If driving over the speed limit is classified as a misdemeanor, it is technically a crime, but often such crimes are excluded from consideration in a person's criminal record. No matter whether speeding is an infraction or a crime, it is usually punished by a fine. It is common for the fine to increase in proportion to the amount over the speed limit for which the ticket is written. Most jurisdictions tell the speeder the amount of the fine on the citation (ticket) and often give instructions for pleading guilty and paying the fine by mail. The offender may have to pay a special fee to contest the ticket at trial and may not be entitled to a jury trial.