Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Practice Exam

What classification applies to a crime that is not a felony or misdemeanor?

1. Infraction

2. Felony

3. Violation

4. Summary offense

The correct answer is: Infraction

An infraction is classified as a crime that is not a felony or misdemeanor. This category typically includes minor violations of the law, often punishable by fines or other non-jail penalties rather than incarceration. Infractions are generally less severe offenses, such as traffic violations or local ordinance breaches, reflecting an intention not to impose substantial penalties on minor wrongdoings. Other classifications, such as felonies and misdemeanors, involve more serious crimes with higher potential penalties, including prison time. While violations might also refer to breaches of less significant laws, they often overlap with infraction classifications without the same legal specificity or common usage. Summary offenses are aligned with minor crimes but not every jurisdiction categorizes them in the same way as infractions, making infraction the most universally applicable term.