Phoenix Reckless Driving Attorney
When we are stuck in a traffic jam but want to rush to a location, we tend to lose our patience. If we are rushing due to an emergency, heavy traffic is the last thing we want to encounter. While waiting or looking for an alternate route is the way to go, some do not have the same mindset and would recklessly drive their vehicle despite the violations they will commit in the process.
In Phoenix, AZ, and other parts of the state, reckless driving is a serious offense often linked to other driving offenses. It also has a broad definition, which can confuse people unaware of the state law surrounding the offense. Fortunately, if you are charged with reckless driving, The Law Office of Joshua A. Lopez, LLC can assist the moment you reach out.
When we handle Phoenix reckless driving cases at The Law Office of Joshua A. Lopez, LLC, we ensure our clients receive the right legal advice that matches their case. We take our time to get to know you and your situation better to personalize our service and enable us to defend your stance in court better. Our experience guarantees we can adjust our strategy anytime and provide you with the right advice when needed.
Call The Law Office of Joshua A. Lopez, LLC today at (480) 630-1143 for your Initial Consultation with a Phoenix Reckless Driving attorney!
Definition of Reckless Driving in Arizona
Under Arizona’s driving laws, reckless driving is a traffic offense caused by a driver who drove their vehicle with “reckless disregard” for other people’s and property’s safety. This means these drivers create a high risk for people to get physically harmed or cause bodily injury through their driving.
Some examples of reckless driving include:
- Cutting off other drivers
- Driving your vehicles over the speed limit
- Swerving
- Ignoring pedestrian walkways
- Intimidating other drivers by driving closely to them
- Driving fast despite the current traffic or weather
- Tailgating
At The Law Office of Joshua A. Lopez, LLC, we can assess your situation to see if it is a reckless driving case or something else. If it is a reckless driving case, we will explain how the state’s law will assess your case. We will then show you the possible defense we can take for your Phoenix reckless driving case, fighting for your interest in court. We can also provide legal advice so you can make key decisions for your case as it proceeds.
Reckless Driving Related Offenses
In reckless driving cases, the court also looks into the other possible violations committed by the driver to determine what penalties they will face in court.
Three crimes are often related to reckless driving, and they are:
- Vehicular manslaughter – This crime occurs when a driver kills another driver through reckless driving. If found guilty, the driver will face charges of both vehicular manslaughter and reckless driving.
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI) – This offense involves drivers found intoxicated or impaired by drugs or alcohol or have a blood alcohol level of 0.08% or more. It is important to note that DUI does not require the driver to drive recklessly to be convicted of it.
- Racing on highways – This crime occurs when drivers drive their vehicle on a road or highway while participating in a race, speed contest, or endurance racing. This crime is often classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor.
When we receive your case, we will check if you may also be charged with these related offenses. Our legal team will personalize the legal defense to consider these related offenses and ensure we can argue against the allegations once the prosecution adds them to their case.
Penalties for Reckless Driving
The penalties for reckless driving in Arizona depend on the conviction record of the driver and the offenses they have committed at the same time.
First-timers will face a Class 2 misdemeanor for reckless driving, which will come with penalties such as a significant fine, prison time, and the suspension of their driver’s license. The length and total amount increase if they commit the act for a second time or more within a 24-month period, as the case will be considered a Class 1 misdemeanor. Additional penalties will be added if they have committed related offenses and depending on the severity of these offenses.
Our legal experts on Phoenix reckless driving cases will consider these penalties when they design the legal defense that will be used during the trial. We can also explain how related offenses can influence the potential penalties you may face if you are charged with the offenses.
Talk to Our Legal Experts Today
When driving a vehicle, one must exercise patience to prevent any mishaps from affecting your journey. The penalties for even the slightest driving infraction can be severe. If you are charged with reckless driving, you may even face more than the penalties if you do not partner with a legal team who can guide you through the entire legal proceeding to resolve the charges.
Our Phoenix, AZ criminal law firm is here to help from the moment you find yourself charged with reckless driving to sorting out your future after the case. We will prepare you for your case and provide legal resources and advice so you can follow the hearings and decide how you want us to proceed. You can also contact us for your other criminal legal troubles! Contact us today and speak to one of our talented lawyers to get started.
Call The Law Office of Joshua A. Lopez, LLC today at (480) 630-1143 for your Initial Consultation with a Phoenix Reckless Driving attorney!