Final answer:
When a complaint signifies a serious violation not addressable by a citation, it leads to a formal legal proceeding where charges are filed, and the case may go to trial with the possibility of penalties such as fines or imprisonment, depending on the infraction.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a complaint alleges an infraction that is not considered a minor violation and cannot be resolved simply with a citation, the matter usually escalates to a formal legal process. Depending on the severity of the alleged offense, charges may be filed, and the case may proceed to court where a judge or a jury can evaluate the evidence. If it's a criminal case, the state or federal prosecutors will take over. In a civil context, the complainant may need to file a lawsuit in the appropriate court. During the legal proceedings, both parties have the opportunity to present their case, call witnesses, and provide evidence. The outcome may lead to various penalties, including fines, community service, probation, or even imprisonment, depending on the nature of the violation and the jurisdiction's laws.