What is defined as a fine, forfeiture, or other civil penalty without criminal charges?

A civil infraction is defined as a violation of a law or regulation that is not classified as a criminal offense. This designation typically results in penalties such as fines, forfeitures, or other civil penalties, rather than criminal charges, which would lead to potential jail time or a criminal record. Civil infractions are often seen in regulatory contexts, such as traffic violations or minor offenses, where the penalties are intended to be remedial rather than punitive.

This classification allows for a more streamlined approach to certain types of offenses, enabling authorities to address violations without resorting to the criminal justice system's extensive processes. In contrast, felonies, misdemeanors, and criminal offenses imply a level of criminality that carries more severe consequences, including jail time or a criminal record, which is not the case for civil infractions.