What are the differences between an infraction and a misdemeanor?
An infraction is considered a civil offense. It may include a fine up to $100. If you have been cited with an infraction you need to appear before a court clerk on or before the date on the citation. Your options are to pay the fine or deny the charge and have the case set for a pretrial conference. You may also pay the fine amount by mail.

A misdemeanor is considered a criminal offense. It may include a fine up to $1,000 and up to a year of jail time. To be charged with a misdemeanor, a person may be cited by a peace officer (on the Idaho Uniform Citation) or the City Prosecutors may file a complaint and summons to appear. The citation requires the defendant to appear in court and gives a certain day and time for that appearance. The first appearance must be set sometime between 5 - 21 days after the date of the citation.

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1. What are the differences between an infraction and a misdemeanor?
2. What is an arraignment?
3. What happens if I plead guilty?
4. Once I plead guilty, can I change my mind later and plead not guilty?
5. What is a pretrial conference?
6. What is a plea agreement?
7. How do I get an attorney to represent me?
8. How can I get a court appointed attorney?
9. Can I have a court appointed attorney for an infraction?
10. What happens if I miss court?
11. Can I ask the judge for legal advice?
12. Can I ask the prosecutor for legal advice?
13. Can I appeal a conviction on an infraction?
14. Can I appeal a conviction on a misdemeanor?
15. What is a Rule 35 motion?
16. Can I disqualify a judge from my case?
17. What is the difference between a court trial and a jury trial?
18. What is an Alford plea?
19. What is probation?