In the state of Maine, the administrative office of the court of Maine published “The Judicial Branch Citizen’s guide” which states that civil violations include:
- Minor traffic infractions,
- Possession of a small amount of marijuana,
- Violations of town and city ordinances, such as leash laws.
If an individual commits a civil violation a ticket will be issued by an officer with summons instructions dictating for the individual to appear in District Court on a certain date.
While the civil violations are not as serious as a criminal offense and does not have to be “proven beyond reasonable doubt” if the individual does not appear in court or pay the fine a civil violation can become much more serious.