Sometimes we are in a hurry to get from one place to another. Maybe we’re late; maybe there was traffic earlier in the route; maybe a meeting got moved. Whatever the reason, sometimes people drive above the speed limit. In Arizona, speeding citations are classified as one of two categories: civil speeding violations or criminal speeding. The majority of minor speeding cases are classified as civil speeding violations. However, there are instances when an individual may be issued a criminal speeding ticket.
Common cases of criminal speeding include:
- When a driver exceeds 35 mph when in or near a school crossing;
- When a driver exceeds a posted speed limit by 20 mph in a business or residential area;
- When a driver exceeds 45 mph when there is no posted speed, in a business or residential area; or
- When a driver exceeds 85 mph anywhere in Arizona.
A conviction can impact your ability to drive. Additionally, if you have more than one charge, the penalties may increase greatly.
Criminal Speeding
Though criminal speeding is not a felony, excessive speeding in Arizona can be considered a class 3 misdemeanor. You may also receive felony charges if you have also been charged with other offenses such as DUI.
Penalties
If you have been found guilty of criminal speeding in Arizona, it is considered a Class 3 misdemeanor and carries a fine of up to $500 and up to 30 days in jail. The Arizona Motor Vehicle Department adds 3 points to your license. If you acquire more than 13 points in a single year, you may have your license suspended.
Additionally, when you are convicted of criminal speeding, your car insurance provider may increase your premiums, costing you much more money than just what you pay in fines. Though standard speeding violations automatically disappear from your motor vehicle record after a certain period of time. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of criminal speeding offenses. In Arizona, both misdemeanor and felony convictions stay on your record until age 99. In other words, you will have it on your record or life.
What Can You Do?
If you or someone you know has been charged with criminal speeding, it can have a great impact on the rest of your life. That is why it is so important that you consult with a knowledgeable and experienced Arizona criminal defense attorney. You have the greatest chance of avoiding or minimizing the impact of a charge.
At Arizona Lawyers, we understand the gravity of what is at stake in a criminal speeding case. That is why we work hard to reduce penalties and fines as well as your charge to a civil speeding violation – and in some cases get your charge dismissed. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, contact us today!