Mesa Criminal Speeding Attorney

Mesa’s Most Trusted Criminal Speeding Lawyers

While most people don’t think of speeding as very serious, a criminal speeding charge can lead to severe consequences. In Mesa, you commit this crime by going at least 20 miles over the legal speed limit. You may also receive this charge if you drive over 85 miles per hour, no matter what the speed limit is. Or by speeding in a designated school zone.

While most speeding tickets in the state are civil violations, excessive speeding may result in a misdemeanor conviction. Such a conviction could result in fines, jail time, and even a license suspension. You may also accumulate points on your record, which can cause insurance rates to rise. It’s best to contact a skilled criminal speeding attorney right away if you’ve been charged with this offense. 

Criminal Speeding Laws in Mesa

Criminal speeding offenses are split into three categories under Arizona law. Going 20 miles over the posted speed limit is the first type of criminal speeding and usually happens in urban areas. For example, driving 75 in a 50 mile per hour area, or going 57 miles per hour in a 35 mile per hour zone would qualify as criminal speeding. 

Driving faster than 85 miles per hour is the most common category of criminal speeding crimes. Even if it’s a 75 mile per hour zone, you could get a criminal speeding charge for driving over 85 miles per hour. Most people get this charge when they’re driving through the rural parts of the state. Lastly, there’s driving over 35 miles per hour in a designated school zone, which is the least common category or criminal speeding. 

Criminal Speeding Penalties in Mesa

Criminal speeding could lead to a class 3 misdemeanor charge, a $500 fine, and 30 days (or less) in jail. In addition, you may experience higher insurance rates from accumulating points on your record. Criminal speeding may come with additional consequences, such as having your license suspended and a permanent criminal record. 

With such a criminal conviction in your past, you may be disqualified from certain job opportunities and lose your ability to get some professional licenses. Additionally, this charge could negatively impact your immigration status and disqualify you from obtaining a commercial driver’s license (CDL).

Defensive Driving School

In some cases, the judge may allow you to attend Defensive Driving School. By doing so, you can reduce your penalties, or the amount of points added to your record (3 points for criminal speeding). You must file a motion with the court to request this option, which may be allowed if:

• You haven’t gone to Defensive Driving School within the last year
• Your crime didn’t involve an injury or serious accident
• You currently have a valid driver’s license
• You aren’t a commercial driver

By working with a criminal speeding attorney, you will increase your odds of attending Defensive Driving School.

Defenses for Criminal Speeding in Mesa 

With the right attorney by your side, you may be able to have your criminal speeding offense reduced or dismissed. They will look at the circumstances involved, including how the police officer determined your speed. Radar and pacing aren’t foolproof, which could support your case. As mentioned, your attorney could help you get into Defensive Driving School to lessen penalties. 

When you’re facing a charge for criminal speeding, it’s important to seek help from an experienced legal professional. Doing so could mean the difference between going to jail or simply attending some traffic classes. In addition, an attorney may be able to appear in court on your behalf.

JacksonWhite Law in Mesa, Arizona

JacksonWhite Law has been serving clients in the Mesa area since 1983. We offer a full range of legal assistance and have plenty of experience navigating cases just like yours with great success. As one of the biggest firms in the East Valley, we work to provide advanced, insightful legal solutions to families, businesses, and individuals throughout the state of Arizona.

From fines, to probation and jail time, being in legal trouble is no laughing matter. It could harm your opportunities in life and even make it harder to find a place to live. Speak with one of our skilled lawyers today to get answers to your questions and to protect your future.

JacksonWhite Mesa Office

Our Mesa office is on the northwest corner of W. Pepper and N. Center Street. You may park on Pepper or in the parking garage nearby.

The Mesa city court is located on the northwest corner of Pomeroy Street and 1^st Avenue. You’ll find a public parking garage behind the building, which you can access from Pomeroy or Main Street.

Call the JacksonWhite Criminal Law team at (480) 467-4370 to discuss your case today.