Which type of violation allows for the most punitive measures?

The type of violation that allows for the most punitive measures is a misdemeanor. Misdemeanors are typically classified as more serious than infractions or minor violations, and they carry potential penalties that may include significant fines, imprisonment, or both. This elevated level of severity means that adjudicating a misdemeanor can involve harsher repercussions compared to less serious offenses, underscoring the legal system's recognition of the conduct associated with misdemeanors as warranting stricter punishment.

In contrast, infractions generally result in less severe consequences, often only involving fines and are resolved without a criminal record. Traffic violations can also fall under misdeanors depending on the context, but they encompass a broad range of offenses that may or may not result in significant punitive measures. Non-regulatory violations often pertain to violations that do not specifically relate to codified laws and may not carry legal penalties, further illustrating the significance of misdemeanors in the hierarchy of violations.