Criminal speeding is one of the more common driving offenses that people throughout the States commit. You initially might not think of this as a serious offense, but according to the law, if you are found guilty of criminal speeding, the consequences can be quite serious.
Before we explore some of the most important points about criminal speeding, let us first define what this term refers to in relation to the criminal justice system.
What Counts as Criminal Speeding?
When it comes to criminal speeding, the laws are quite clear. The following driving offenses are classified as criminal speeding:
- Driving over 85 mph
- Exceeding the set speed limit of 20 mph in a residential or business area
- Going over 35 mph in an area close to a school
What Are The Fines for Criminal Speeding?
Criminal speeding is regarded as a serious offense and if caught you might be even facing up to 30 days in jail.
When it comes to fines, the maximum fine you can get is $500 excluding the surcharges.
Criminal speeding also means getting traffic points on your driver’s license. Laws are different in each state in terms of how many points you will get for criminal speeding. In Arizona, you will get 3 points.
Getting 12 points within a year means that you will have your driver’s license take away, while if you get 8 points you might be required to take lessons in a traffic school.
Criminal Speeding on Your Record
People who commit a criminal speeding offense in Arizona can face serious consequences such as having the conviction listed on their permanent record.
It the conviction, sentence, fines, and probation are carried out, it might be possible to file a petition to avoid the criminal conviction going on the permanent record, yet for that, you will need the help on an experienced attorney in the field of criminal justice.
What Happens in Court?
Before you even set a foot in court, the best thing you can do is get in touch with an attorney who specializes in criminal speeding. They will be able to look at the case and potentially negotiate a good deal for you and avoid conviction.
On the initial appearance, you would need to plead guilty or not guilty of the charges that are pressed against you. On the pre-trial conference, you will get the chance to meet the prosecutor for your case and try and find common grounds to avoid trial. The reason why you need a good attorney is that they will fight to get you the best deal out of the situation, avoid trial and keep your criminal record clean.
If a plea deal is not reached during the pretrial conference, you will need to go to a bench trial before a judge who is assigned to your case. This is a proper defendant, prosecutor, jury scenario where witnesses might be called and evidence will be presented. The decision will be left in the hands of the jury.
Even if you don’t manage to make an agreement with the prosecutor before the trial, that is still possible if your attorney finds middle grounds with the prosecution. However, this is the last chance to get the best out of the situation that you are into. If you were caught doing criminal speeding, chances are you will be found guilty if the case goes to the hands of the jury.
What Can a Criminal Defense Attorney Do For You?
If convicted for criminal speeding, you might find yourself facing jail time. Still, the law allows avoiding jail time but in order to secure that, you need the help of a good attorney.
A criminal speeding offense can be completely dismissed, jail time can be avoided, fines can be reduced or it can be lowered to a civil traffic infraction if you have a skilled lawyer next to you to build a good defense case.
Bear in mind that defensive driving school is not automatically available to you if you have been caught criminal speeding, so to avoid a dark spot on your record, get in touch with an attorney who will be able to fight for you and minimize the damage and clear your name.
Liz S. Coyle is the Director of Client Services for JacksonWhite Attorneys at Law. She also serves as a paralegal for the Family Law Department. She is responsible for internal and external communications for the firm.