Which statement best defines an infraction?

Which statement best defines an infraction?

• A. A crime punishable by imprisonment
• B. A violation of a federal statute
• C. A statute where the punishment is only a fine up to $250
• D. A misdemeanor carrying jail time

Answer: (C)

Infractions are the least serious type of offense and are defined by penalties that do not include jail time—usually a monetary fine, sometimes with a cap. Saying the statute imposes only a fine up to $250 captures that idea: no imprisonment, just a monetary penalty. The other descriptions describe offenses that involve jail time or broader criminal categories (like federal crimes), which are not how infractions are defined.

Infractions are the least serious type of offense and are defined by penalties that do not include jail time—usually a monetary fine, sometimes with a cap. Saying the statute imposes only a fine up to $250 captures that idea: no imprisonment, just a monetary penalty. The other descriptions describe offenses that involve jail time or broader criminal categories (like federal crimes), which are not how infractions are defined.