Can a person be arrested for an infraction?

In discussing whether a person can be arrested for an infraction, it's important to understand what an infraction is within the legal framework. An infraction is typically a minor violation of law, often punishable by a fine or a citation rather than imprisonment. Common examples include traffic violations like speeding or littering.

Given this context, the understanding is that infractions, being less severe than misdemeanors or felonies, do not usually lead to arrest. Instead, the appropriate legal action for an infraction is generally related to issuing a ticket or citation which requires the individual to pay a fine or appear in court. As such, the legal ramifications for infractions do not involve arrest, reflecting the purpose of these laws, which is to address minor offenses without imposing heavy penalties or incarceration.

While there may be specific circumstances where additional legal factors come into play, such as failure to respond to a citation or repeat offenses resulting in a different charge, these do not generally alter the fundamental nature of an infraction itself. Therefore, the assertion that a person cannot be arrested for an infraction aligns with established legal principles.