Can you get arrested for speeding? It’s a question that catches people off guard and for good reason. In Arizona, what begins as a routine traffic stop can quickly escalate into something far more serious. Depending on the situation, you could end up in the back of a police cruiser instead of driving home. At The Law Offices of John Phebus, Glendale Criminal and Personal Injury Lawyer, we’ve worked with many individuals who were shocked to discover how fast a speeding charge can turn into a criminal matter.
If you would like to discuss options on your case and how we can provide legal help, contact The Law Offices of John Phebus Criminal and Personal Injury Lawyer today
Arizona’s line between a civil speeding ticket and a criminal charge isn’t as wide as many assume. Driving over 85 mph anywhere in the state, going more than 20 mph over the posted speed limit, or exceeding 35 mph in a school zone may result in a criminal charge. These aren’t just traffic infractions, they fall under criminal speeding as defined by Arizona Revised Statute ARS 28-701.02. The penalties don’t end with a fine; a conviction could mean a criminal record, time behind bars, or both.
A speeding ticket typically leads to a citation and fine, possibly with points against your license. But reckless driving carries heavier consequences. A criminal charge may be filed if your driving behavior is viewed as threatening others. Swerving between lanes, tailgating, or blowing through red lights while speeding might cross that line.
Reckless driving is treated seriously in Arizona courts. Under ARS 28-693, the first offense is a Class 2 misdemeanor. That means more than a slap on the wrist—it could result in jail, fines, and license issues that affect your daily life.
Getting tagged for criminal speeding can ripple through every part of your routine, from work to family life. The penalties might feel manageable in the moment, but the long-term effects often prove far more burdensome.
Yes, it can. A conviction may go on your permanent record if the charge is criminal, not civil. That record may follow you when applying for a job, a loan, or an apartment. It’s more than just points on your license; it becomes a marker that employers and agencies might consider when deciding your future.
A traffic stop rarely happens in a vacuum. Once pulled over, the situation can unfold in ways that lead to more than one charge. Speeding is sometimes just the start of a bigger legal issue.
Police are trained to be observant. If they see something suspicious, such as an open container, drug paraphernalia, or even expired registration, they might investigate further. What starts as a simple speeding stop can quickly evolve into something more complex. For example, if an officer smells alcohol or marijuana, they may initiate a search of the vehicle or conduct sobriety tests. If identification or registration documents are missing or out of date, those can result in separate citations or charges.Â
In some cases, discovering these secondary issues can significantly increase the severity of the legal consequences. This chain reaction shows how a single violation can lead to multiple charges, all triggered by one high-speed drive.
Absolutely, and it happens more than you might think. Officers who suspect impairment during a stop might request a sobriety test or chemical screening. A speeding infraction can lead directly into DUI territory, depending on what the officer finds. Arizona’s DUI laws are strict, and a conviction can include jail, license suspension, and mandatory treatment programs.
Arizona does not treat serious traffic violations lightly. Depending on the circumstances, what seems like a routine citation can carry consequences that reshape your life.
Most criminal speeding charges are misdemeanors. But if you’re caught driving well over the limit while also violating another law, say, driving without a license or causing an injury, you could face a felony charge. Felony speeding adds a new legal risk, including potential prison time and long-term impacts on your civil rights.
Yes, especially for repeat offenses. Under ARS 28-693, reckless driving can lead to time in jail—even if no one was hurt. For a first-time conviction, you might serve up to four months. A second conviction? That could mean mandatory jail time and a license revocation. The law allows prosecutors to pursue harsher penalties if they believe public safety is at risk.
Many people think paying the fine is the easiest option. In some cases, that might be true. But once you plead guilty, that record can stay with you, sometimes for years. You may lose the chance to negotiate a reduced charge or to challenge the evidence against you.
Police radar isn’t infallible. Neither is human judgment. An attorney can determine whether the stop was lawful, if the equipment was accurate, or if your rights were violated. Those details might make all the difference.
We treat these cases with the seriousness they deserve. As a law firm serving Arizona, we know how prosecutors pursue criminal traffic cases and how to respond. That might mean pushing back on a faulty speeding allegation, working to reduce charges, or negotiating alternatives that don’t leave you with a criminal record.
Having someone in your corner can keep a speeding mistake from defining your future. We’re here to listen, advise, and act when the situation demands it.
Don’t leave your future to chance if you’ve been charged with criminal speeding or reckless driving. At The Law Offices of John Phebus, Glendale Criminal and Personal Injury Lawyer, we’re committed to helping people like you face these challenges with clarity and confidence. Reach out today to discuss your situation and find out how we can help. (623) 847-7117
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Attorney John Phebus, who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
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