The Difference Between Criminal and Civil Speeding
Speeding is widely considered a minor offense because of how common it is. Although civil speeding is common, criminal speeding is handled more seriously by the state of Arizona. Criminal Speeding offenses can carry more serious penalties and it is important that you contact a criminal defense attorney if you have been cited with this offense.
The state of Arizona expects drivers to adhere to reasonable speeds when traveling on roadways. Most violations of this law get filed as a civil speeding violation, but when a driver reaches excessive speeds, the speeding charge will turn to criminal. Arizona considered a speeding violation to be criminal when:
- The driver exceeds 85 mph on any roadway.
- The driver exceeds 20 mph over the posted speed limit
Criminal Speeding is considered a class 3 misdemeanor which can include fines and jail time. If you are dealing with a criminal speeding violation, it is important that you contact an attorney as soon as possible.