For the month of November, DPS is launching its “Operation No Need for Speed” which will target speeders on the Loop 101, 202, and 303 Freeways. The purpose of the crackdown is to target excessive speeders.
More about DPS’s crackdown on speeding can be found here: http://ktar.com/story/1817990/dps-conduct-zero-tolerance-speed-crackdown-phoenix/
Speeding Tickets in Arizona
To most, Speeding may seem like a minor violation, however, in the state of Arizona, excessive speeding can be a misdemeanor making it a criminal offense. With penalties of up to 30 days in jail and up to $500 in fines, criminal speeding in Arizona is more than just a traffic citation – it’s a crime.
Arizona Speeding Laws
In Arizona, speeding violations are broken down into two categories: civil speeding and criminal speeding. Most cases of minor speeding are civil speeding violations.
However, criminal speeding tickets can be issued in the following circumstances. Pursuant to A.R.S. §28-701.02, they are, when a driver exceeds:
- 85 mph on the freeway or highway;
- 35 mph while near a school zone;
- A posted speed limit by 20 mph in a business or residential area;
- 45 mph when no speed limit posted in a business or residential area.
If you’ve been pulled over and cited for any of the above violations, you could face criminal speeding charges that can affect your privilege to drive. If you have more than one criminal speeding charge, the penalties can be even greater. Additionally, you may not qualify to take either defensive driving school or traffic survival school for a criminal speeding charge.
Penalties for Criminal Speeding in Arizona
In Arizona, criminal speeding is a class 3 misdemeanor. The maximum penalty for a class 3 misdemeanor is 30 days in jail, a $500 fine plus an 83% surcharge, and up to one year of probation. Collateral consequences of a criminal speeding charge may include:
- Three points on your license;
- License suspension (if you have too many points already);
- Increased insurance premiums;
- Towing your vehicle;
- And lastly, arrests.
The minimum consequences for a criminal speeding charge can include:
- A terminal disposition, meaning a conviction occured but the court gave you no penalties,
- Court-ordered defensive driving school.
Because of the broad range of possible penalties, you should consult a criminal defense lawyer to get help with your Arizona speeding ticket.
If You Received a Speeding Ticket, We Can Help.
The Lerner and Rowe Law Group criminal defense team has experience handling all manner of criminal traffic offenses. Hiring one of our skilled criminal attorneys will give you the best chance of avoiding the maximum sentence and minimizing the impact of the Arizona speeding laws. This can include reducing your penalties and fines; reducing your charge to a civil speeding violation; or getting your speeding charge completely dismissed.
Contact us today at 602-667-7777 to discuss your case, or fill out the online intake form. So, don’t wait!