Arizona Criminal Speeding Attorney

When you get behind the wheel, safety should always come first. While people might get a traffic ticket occasionally, a criminal speeding conviction can change your life.

At Genesis DUI & Criminal Defense Lawyers, our Arizona criminal speeding lawyers are ready to defend you. While we always advocate adhering to the posted speed limit, we understand that people make mistakes. Sometimes, you could be falsely accused of criminal speeding.

Every case is different, and we are ready to review yours. Learn more about criminal speeding below, and then contact us for a free consultation.

Our Arizona Criminal Speeding Attorney Reviews the Charges

While most of us probably think of a speeding ticket as nothing more than a slap on the wrist, a criminal speeding ticket can be a lot worse than you may think.

In Arizona, a criminal speeding ticket can be issued to anyone traveling 20 miles per hour or more over the speed limit. A ticket can also be issued when traveling faster than 85 miles per hour, regardless of the speed limit.

Since excessive speeding can be a misdemeanor crime, speeding laws in Arizona should be taken very seriously. It is important to follow all traffic laws and put safety first.

When Is Criminal Speeding Issued?

There are 3 ways one can be charged with criminal speeding, also known as excessive speeding. The majority of speeding tickets are civil violations and carry less severe consequences. Criminal speeding tickets can be issued in several cases, including:

• When your speed exceeds 45 miles per hour in a residential area without a posted speed limit;
• Driving at 85 miles per hour
• When your speed exceeds 35 miles per hour in a school zone

When you're pulled over for excessive speeding, you could face criminal speeding charges. This can affect your ability to drive, and if it's not your first time getting a criminal speeding ticket, you could face even more severe penalties.

How To React To a Criminal Speeding Charge

1. Do not admit fault at the scene or to the police officer who pulls you over. Anything you say can be used against you in court, so it's best to politely decline to discuss the event.
2. Document everything about the incident as soon as possible. Note the time, location, weather conditions, and any contributing factors.
3. Contact a qualified attorney who specializes in traffic law immediately. An experienced lawyer can guide you through the legal process and help protect your rights.
4. Request a copy of the police report. This document will contain the officer's notes and observations, which are vital for your defense.
5. Gather witness statements if possible. If anyone was present during the alleged speeding, their accounts might support your defense.
6. Follow all legal advice and court orders meticulously. This includes attending all court dates and complying with any pre-trial conditions set by the court.
7. Prepare for your defense by working closely with your attorney. Provide your lawyer with all pertinent information and discuss possible defense strategies.

How We Defend You Against Allegations of Criminal Speeding

• Challenging the accuracy of the speed measurement. We will examine and possibly contest the method used to measure your speed, whether radar, laser, or pacing. Issues with calibration, operator error, and environmental factors can all affect the reliability of the speed measurement.
• Questioning the officer's training and experience. We will review the qualifications and training of the officer who issued the speeding ticket, focusing on their expertise with speed detection equipment. If there are gaps or inconsistencies in their training, we can use this to challenge the credibility of the evidence.
• Analyzing the conditions at the time of the alleged offense. We will consider road conditions, traffic flow, and weather conditions that could have impacted both your driving speed and the accuracy of the speed measurement. This context can provide a strong foundation for your defense.
• Negotiating with prosecutors to reduce or dismiss charges. If possible, we will negotiate with the prosecution to reduce the charges to a non-criminal offense or dismiss them based on weaknesses in the case. This can help avoid points on your license, high fines, or increased insurance rates.
• Presenting mitigating factors that justify your speed. We would present these factors to the court if there were compelling reasons for your speed, such as a medical emergency. Demonstrating legitimate reasons for speeding can sometimes lead to reduced penalties or dismissal of charges.

Should You Take a Plea Bargain?

Taking a plea bargain in a criminal speeding case can be a practical choice, depending on the strength of the evidence against you and the potential penalties at stake. A plea bargain can reduce charges, leading to fewer fines and demerit points on your driving record.

However, accepting a plea means admitting a lesser offense, which can still affect your driving history and insurance rates. It is important to consult with your attorney to understand the full consequences of a plea deal before making a decision.

Do I Have To Take the Case To Trial?

Deciding whether to take a criminal speeding case to trial depends on various factors, including the strength of the evidence and your circumstances. Going to trial allows you to contest the charges and potentially clear your name fully. 

However, trials can be unpredictable and may result in harsher penalties if the verdict goes against you. It's essential to discuss the potential outcomes and risks with your attorney to make an informed decision about whether to proceed to trial.

What About Alternative Sentencing Options?

Alternative sentencing options may be available in criminal speeding cases, especially for first-time offenders or those with mitigating circumstances. These alternatives can include defensive driving courses, community service, or probation, which might help avoid jail time or heavy fines.

Completing these alternative programs often leads to the charges being reduced or dismissed. Discussing these options with your lawyer can provide a pathway to resolving the case with minimal impact on your life and driving record. Sometimes, defensive driving school could be an option for you.

Penalties for Criminal Speeding in Arizona

A criminal speeding charge in Arizona can bring 30 days of jail time and includes up to $500 in fines. Additionally, if you are arrested at the traffic stop, you must pay to return your car. A criminal speeding offense is three counts on your license.

You may be able to avoid jail time by attending Defensive Driving School. This decision however, is at the discretion of the judge hearing your case.

If you exceed 13 points in a year, your license can be suspended. Aside from the penalties, a criminal speeding charge can also affect your insurance premiums, costing you money years later. For these reasons, you should try to avoid a criminal speeding violation.

Tips for Safe Driving

• Maintain a safe following distance: Always leave enough space between you and the vehicle in front of you to allow for safe stopping. A good rule of thumb is the "three-second rule," which gives you ample time to react to hazards.
• Observe speed limits: Driving at or below the posted speed limit helps you maintain control of your vehicle and gives you more time to react to unexpected situations. Speed limits enhance safety for all road users, including pedestrians.
• Use turn signals: Always signal your intentions well when turning or changing lanes. This is a legal requirement and a means of communicating your actions to other drivers and helping prevent accidents.
• Minimize distractions: Avoid using your phone, eating, or other activities that distract your attention from driving. Focusing on the road is necessary for reacting quickly to prevent collisions.
• Wear your seatbelt: Seatbelts save lives by preventing you from being thrown from your vehicle during a crash. Ensure you and all passengers buckle up before driving, regardless of the trip's distance.
• Adjust for weather conditions: Reduce your speed and increase your following distance in bad weather, such as rain, snow, or fog. These conditions can substantially affect visibility and road traction, making driving more hazardous.
• Stay sober: Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as these substances severely impair your judgment, coordination, and reaction times. Always plan a safe ride home if you expect to consume alcohol or other impairing substances.

Contact Our Arizona Criminal Speeding Attorney To Schedule a Free Consultation

Criminal Speeding in Arizona is a class 3 misdemeanor, which means that if convicted, you could be punished by up to 30 days in jail, face fines and fees of up to $500, receive 3 points on your driver's license, and have a permanent criminal conviction on your record.

When faced with a criminal speeding charge, an Arizona defense attorney with experience in traffic law at your side can mean the difference between being charged and serving jail time or being ordered to attend traffic school.

The Lawyers at Genesis DUI & Criminal Defense Lawyers in Arizona are ready to fight for you and help protect your driving rights. We always put the needs of our clients first. Now, we can do the same for you.

Contact us and schedule a legal consultation with our Arizona Criminal Defense Lawyers today! Let our criminal speeding ticket attorney fight for your rights!

Genesis DUI & Criminal Defense Lawyers

2915 E. Baseline Rd Suite 116, Gilbert, AZ 85234

(480) 900-2220