As you can see from the above list, traffic offenses vary widely. They are classified into two types: moving and non-moving violations. For the most part, moving violations carry higher penalties due to the simple fact that there is a higher likelihood that you could cause damage or injury to others. Driving offenses can be further characterized as:

  • Infractions
  • Misdemeanors
  • Felonies

Traffic Infractions

Traffic infractions are the least serious traffic offense you can commit in Southeastern Missouri and the least likely you would need a bail bond company. From speeding to failing to yield at a stop sign and not wearing your seatbelt, the penalties for traffic infractions are usually a fine and points on your license.

Misdemeanors

Although more serious than traffic infractions, misdemeanors are less severe than felony traffic offenses and can have a jail sentence if convicted. Missouri has five classes of misdemeanors: A, B, C, D, and unclassified, which indicates the seriousness of the charges.

In the state of Missouri, speeding can be a misdemeanor if driving more than 20 mph over the speed limit. Failure to yield to an emergency vehicle is a Class A misdemeanor as well. A DUI or DWI are similar charges that are misdemeanors if you’ve never been charged with a misdemeanor before.

Felonies

Felony traffic offenses are the more likely to result in an arrest and the need for a bail bond agent in Southeastern Missouri, such as Smith Bail Bonds. They are serious crimes that can result in significant jail time. These will most likely require a criminal defense attorney. Carjacking someone and using or threatening to use physical force on someone in order to steal their car is a class A felony, which could be punished by up to 30 years in jail. Stealing a car is a class D felony with fines of up to $10,000 and imprisonment up to seven years.

CHOOSE SMITH BAIL BONDS AS YOUR LOCAL BAIL BOND AGENT

With over 20 years of experience, our caring bail bondsmen can help you get out of jail if you’ve been arrested for a traffic offense. Either you or a loved one can initiate the bail bond process right over the phone, 24-hours a day, 7 days a week. We’ll gather the information we need, such as what crime you are accused of committing and what jail you are being held at. Then we’ll collect our fee, which is a certain percentage of the bail set against you. Once that has been done, it’s just a few hours as long as the courts are open for processing. Then, you can return home to your family and begin to take the next steps.

Smith Bail Bonds serves Cape Girardeau, Perry, Bollinger, Scott, New Madrid, Mississippi, Stoddard, and Pemiscot Counties. We offer bail bonds for a variety of offenses, including misdemeanor and felony bail bonds. This includes assault, DUI, marijuana possession, and, of course, traffic offenses. Call Smith Bail Bonds to get started today!