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Have you been arrested for a traffic violation in Phoenix, AZ? Certain traffic violations can be charged as a crime. When you are facing a misdemeanor or felony traffic violation, you deserve a Phoenix traffic violations attorney who will fight for your freedom.
For over 33 years, Orent Law Offices has represented drivers in Maricopa County charged with criminal matters including violent crimes, theft crimes, DUI, federal crimes, Phoenix juvenile crimes, assault defense, Phoenix domestic violence, and sex crimes.
Contact our law firm for a free consultation with a Phoenix criminal defense attorney who can help you.
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ToggleDo not make the mistake of pleading guilty to a criminal traffic violation, assuming it’s only a minor infraction. Fines are only part of the penalties you may face. You also face the loss of your license, jail time, a criminal record, and more. You deserve help from an experienced criminal defense lawyer at Orent Law Offices to fight the charge you are facing.
Founding attorney Craig Orent is a Certified Criminal Law Specialist and a Top 100 Trial Lawyer. He has more than three decades of experience successfully defending clients facing all types of misdemeanor and felony traffic violations in Phoenix, Arizona. He is committed to giving you the robust legal defense you deserve and leaves no stone unturned in crafting your defense.
Choose Orent Law Offices to represent you, and we will:
Contact our law office today to speak with a Phoenix traffic violations attorney during a free consultation. We will help you understand the strength of your case and how we can help you fight your traffic violation.
Most traffic violations in Arizona are merely infractions. These violations are handled in civil traffic court and generally involve a ticket and fine. Speeding tickets are the most common infraction. Many traffic infractions qualify for defensive driving classes to avoid points on your license. Traffic ticket lawyers can also assist with fighting infractions.
Other common traffic infractions include tailgating, driving through a stop sign, or driving through a non-functioning light.
A criminal traffic violation is different than an infraction. Violations are considered more dangerous, as they directly threaten someone’s life, property, and/or safety. Traffic violations are charged as criminal offenses in Arizona and may be misdemeanors or felonies.
If convicted of a criminal traffic violation, you can face jail time, much higher fines, and other penalties like the loss of your license and probation.
Common misdemeanor Phoenix traffic violations include the following.
Driving under the influence is usually a Class 1 misdemeanor in Arizona. It is one of the most serious misdemeanor traffic violations. The charge can be upgraded to aggravated DUI if your license was suspended, you had an ignition interlock device, or you have two or more previous DUIs in the last 7 years. Aggravated DUI is a felony.
A hit and run that involves damage to another vehicle is a Class 2 misdemeanor. Failing to provide necessary information and assistance under ARS § 28-663 is a Class 3 misdemeanor.
If the accident involved injuries or death, a hit and run becomes a felony in Arizona.
Arizona law requires all motorists to carry minimum liability insurance of $15,000 per person/$30,000 per accident in bodily injury and $10,000 in property damage coverage.
Driving without a valid license is merely an infraction If the state never issued you a license or you were driving with an expired license. If your license was suspended or revoked, you can be charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor. Driving after a license suspension due to a DUI carries a fine of $572 and additional penalties. Getting a DUI while your license is suspended is a felony.
Criminal speeding refers to:
This is a Class 3 misdemeanor under ARS §28-701.02.
ARS §28-693 makes it a Class 2 misdemeanor to drive in a way that recklessly disregards the safety of others or property. It becomes a Class 1 misdemeanor if you have been previously convicted of certain traffic violations. In this case, you will not be eligible for probation or a suspended sentence until you serve at least some time in jail.
Under ARS §28-5695, aggressive driving refers to speeding and committing two or more of the following:
It can also be charged if your driving is considered an immediate hazard to others.
Aggressive driving is a Class 1 misdemeanor.
There are several traffic offenses that are considered serious enough to become felonies.
The following are the most common felony Arizona traffic violations:
Unlike civil traffic infractions, you cannot simply pay a fine or go to defensive driving school to make the offense go away. A court appearance will be necessary. If you ignore the citation, the court might issue a warrant for your arrest or suspend your license.
If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident and arrested for a violation or otherwise charged with a traffic violation, it’s crucial to seek legal counsel right away. Convictions can result in a criminal record and jail time, among other penalties. A Phoenix traffic violation lawyer at Orent Law Offices can help you fight the charge you are facing.
The penalties for a traffic violation depend on the type and classification of the offense, your driving record, and your criminal record.
You may face serious penalties that include:
Some traffic violations are more serious than others, regardless of classification. For instance, there are significant differences in penalties for criminal speeding and DUI, both misdemeanor violations.
Driving under the influence is usually a misdemeanor for a first offense. However, you will still face 10 days to 6 months in jail and must serve at least 24 hours. Fines and assessments start at $1,250, but an ignition interlock device may also be required at your expense. You can also face automatic license suspension for up to 90 days, alcohol classes at your expense, and costly surcharges.
If convicted of criminal speed, also a misdemeanor, you face up to 30 days in jail, up to one year of probation, and a fine of up to $500. While your insurance rates go up, it does not compare to the effects of a DUI offense.
Driving without insurance is also treated differently. A first offense carries a $500 fine, suspension of your registration and driver’s license, and your plates will be confiscated. You also require a costly SR-22 certificate for two years.
You may have many possible defense options depending on the violation you have been charged with and the circumstances.
An experienced traffic violations lawyer in Phoenix may help you explore defense strategies, such as:
We will also explore whether your constitutional rights were violated. This may include not being read your rights, illegal search of your vehicle, coerced statements, or not being allowed counsel.
A traffic violation may not seem as serious as other criminal offenses, but the penalties can be serious and life-changing. Conviction of even a misdemeanor traffic violation can result in jail time, loss of your license, high fines, probation, and a permanent criminal record. At Orent Law Offices, we are committed to helping you preserve your good name, driving record, and freedom.
Contact our law office today for a free case review with a Phoenix traffic violations attorney. We will help you build the strongest defense possible.