Is Excessive Speeding a Crime in Arizona? Yes, it is. (2024)
It's crucial to understand that speeding in Arizona is not just a traffic violation but a potential criminal offense. Excessive speeding, classified as a class 3 misdemeanor, can lead to serious penalties, including 30 days in jail, one-year probation, a $500 fine plus surcharge, mandatory driving courses, three points on your driving record, and more. The definition of excessive speed is outlined in A.R.S. § 28-701.02, and there are three distinct ways to violate this statute.
Exceeding 35 MPH approaching a school crossing.
Exceed the posted speed limit in a business or residential district by more than 20 MPH, or if no speed limit is posted, exceed 45 MPH.
Exceed the posted speed limit by more than 20 MPH in other locations (most popular criminal speeding violation).
The second and third types of criminal speeding violations require a person to travel 20 MPH more than the posted speed limit. Thus, anyone exceeding the posted speed limit by more than 20 MPH can be charged with a criminal offense.
If you find yourself facing a criminal offense for Excessive Speed, it's crucial to understand that this doesn't have to be a permanent mark on your record. Criminal convictions can have significant implications, but with the guidance of a seasoned criminal defense attorney, you can effectively contest your case and potentially avoid a conviction.
Our experienced criminal defense attorneys will employ various legal strategies to fight your case. These include challenging Constitutional Violations, scrutinizing Radar/Lidar Calibration Records and Officer Certifications, reviewing Body Worn Camera Footage and Reports, and presenting Mitigation to the State/Court for Reduction of Charge/Dismissal.
At Millar Law, we have received several favorable outcomes to Criminal Excessive Speed Offenses, including:
Dismissal;
Defensive Driving School Dismissal;
Civil Speeding Violation, Dismissal of the Criminal Offense.
Millar Law has a team of Former Prosecutors who will fight your case on your behalf. We offer 100% Free Case Reviews, so give us a call today to hear what we can do for you- (602) 900-0545.
