The level of severity and penalties go up with an infraction being the least serious and a felony being the most flagrant. Misdemeanors carry their own fines and can include potential jail time and a criminal record. Felonies usually occur after repeated infractions, or significant damage to persons or property. Felonies are most significant tickets and could carry the largest fines.  They may include a criminal record and can include more than a year of jail time.