Criminal Traffic Offense Defense Services in Glendale, AZ
A Criminal Citation Is More Than an Ordinary Traffic Ticket
Some Arizona traffic allegations are charged as crimes rather than civil violations. That distinction can affect the court process, possible penalties, driving record, and license consequences. A driver should not assume that paying a fine online will resolve a criminal citation—or that the charge is minor simply because it arose on the road.
Richard D. Coffinger represents clients in selected criminal traffic matters in Glendale and Maricopa County. Bring the citation, court notice, and any license-related paperwork to the first conversation.
Criminal Speeding in Arizona
A.R.S. § 28-701.02 defines excessive speeds that may be charged as a class 3 misdemeanor. The statute addresses exceeding 35 miles per hour while approaching a school crossing, exceeding the posted limit by more than 20 miles per hour in a business or residential district—or exceeding 45 miles per hour where no limit is posted there—and exceeding the posted limit by more than 20 miles per hour in other locations.
The actual citation, location, signage, speed measurement, officer observations, and surrounding circumstances should be reviewed. A website cannot determine whether the State can prove the allegation in an individual case.
Reckless Driving in Arizona
Under A.R.S. § 28-693, reckless driving involves driving in reckless disregard for the safety of persons or property. The legal question is not simply whether someone exceeded a posted speed. The State must prove the conduct and mental state described by the statute, and the facts surrounding the driving matter.
A first allegation under that section is classified as a class 2 misdemeanor. A prior qualifying conviction within the statutory period can change classification and consequences. The statute also permits certain license action.
Other Criminal Traffic Matters
Potential inquiries may involve driving on a suspended or revoked license, racing, aggressive driving, leaving the scene, or other allegations. Call with the exact citation to determine whether the matter fits Richard’s practice.
If the citation is for an ordinary civil traffic violation, call to determine whether Richard accepts that category. The website’s primary focus is criminal traffic defense.
What Richard May Review
Depending on the charge, an evaluation may consider:
- The statute and factual description on the citation or complaint.
- The location, posted limit, road design, traffic, lighting, and weather.
- The method used to observe or measure speed.
- Officer reports, video, calibration or maintenance records where relevant and lawfully available.
- Witness accounts and vehicle or phone data when relevant and legally obtainable.
- The driver’s license status, notice history, and prior qualifying record.
- Whether more than one charge arose from the same event.
An issue must be supported by the facts and governing law. No checklist guarantees that a charge will be reduced or dismissed.
What Happens After a Criminal Traffic Citation?
The citation or complaint should identify a court and appearance date. Criminal traffic cases may proceed through an arraignment, pretrial hearings or conferences, motions, negotiation, trial, and—if there is a conviction—sentencing. The sequence varies by court and case.
Do not ignore the citation or assume an appearance is optional. Follow the written court instructions unless your attorney or the court tells you otherwise.
The citation or complaint should identify a court and appearance date. Criminal traffic cases may proceed through an arraignment, pretrial hearings or conferences, motions, negotiation, trial, and—if there is a conviction—sentencing. The sequence varies by court and case.
Do not ignore the citation or assume an appearance is optional. Follow the written court instructions unless your attorney or the court tells you otherwise.
Next Steps
Discuss the Citation Before Making Assumptions
Richard has practiced Arizona criminal law since 1972 and has been a Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialist since 1980. Call for a free telephone consultation about the citation, next court date, and whether the matter fits his practice.
What You Need to Know
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Criminal Speeding a Misdemeanor in Arizona?
Yes. A violation of A.R.S. § 28-701.02 is classified as a class 3 misdemeanor. Whether a particular citation meets the statute depends on the exact allegation and evidence.