You just got a letter that says you have been charged with a criminal traffic offense, and that can feel a lot heavier than an ordinary ticket. A criminal traffic offense is a traffic-related violation that can lead to criminal penalties, not just a fine. Depending on the law and the facts, it may be treated as a misdemeanor or, in more serious cases, a felony. Common examples include driving while intoxicated, reckless driving, leaving the scene of a crash, or driving with a suspended license in certain situations. Unlike a simple civil infraction, a criminal traffic offense can mean court appearances, probation, jail time, a criminal record, and license consequences.

That label matters because it changes how seriously the case is handled. Police, prosecutors, insurers, and employers may all view a criminal charge differently from a routine citation. In Texas, many traffic matters are still criminal cases at the lower misdemeanor level, including some offenses people assume are "just tickets," so the exact charge on the notice matters.

For an injury claim, a criminal traffic offense can strengthen evidence that a driver acted carelessly or dangerously, but it does not automatically prove liability. A crash victim in Texas usually has 2 years to file a personal injury lawsuit, and claims against a government entity often require notice within 6 months. Criminal and civil cases can move on separate tracks, with different goals and standards of proof.