Arizona Reckless Driving Laws
Arizona law has strict standards in place for motor vehicle drivers. All drivers must follow state laws for the safety of other road users and the public in general. One such law is Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) § 28-693: the reckless driving law. If you get ticketed or arrested for an alleged reckless driving offense, it is important to contact a reckless driving attorney in Arizona as soon as possible.
What Is Reckless Driving in Arizona?
Under the ARS § 28-693, Arizona defines “reckless driving” as to drive a vehicle in reckless disregard for the safety of persons or property. This is a relatively broad definition that can apply to a wide range of driving behaviors that are viewed as potentially dangerous or threatening to others, such as:
- Excessive speeding
- Street or drag racing
- Tailgating (aggressively following too closely)
- Making dangerous lane changes
- Cutting other drivers off
- Swerving on and off the road
- Running red lights
- Ignoring traffic signs and signals
- Passing illegally
- Driving the wrong way
- Road-rage behaviors
Law enforcement in Arizona may pull a driver over for perceived acts of reckless driving, either due to a violation of a traffic law or more general driver behaviors. These traffic stops may be based on the officer’s individual perception of events. For a reckless driving charge to stick, however, there must be evidence that the driver had a conscious disregard for the safety of others.
Is Reckless Driving a Crime Under ARS 28-693?
Yes. ARS 28-693 classifies reckless driving as a Class 2 misdemeanor criminal offense. This is a higher charge than a simple moving violation, such as a standard speeding ticket or traffic citation. Allegations of reckless driving could lead to criminal charges, a court case and court-imposed penalties if convicted. Reckless driving that results in bodily injury or death can be upgraded to a Class 1 misdemeanor or even a felony.
What Is the Most Common Punishment for Reckless Driving in Arizona?
The most common punishment associated with a reckless driving conviction in Arizona is a fine of up to $750, plus additional fees and surcharges. However, this charge can come with up to four months in jail and a 90-day driver’s license suspension, as well. The driver’s vehicle may also be impounded at the driver’s expense.
A second-offense reckless driving conviction comes with a mandatory 20-day jail sentence, with an extension of up to six months, in addition to fines of up to $2,500, two years of probation and a longer license suspension period.
What Can You Do to Fight a Reckless Driving Charge?
Reckless driving criminal charges after a traffic stop or automobile accident can be countered with assistance from a qualified reckless driving attorney in Arizona. One or multiple defenses against reckless driving may be available based on the circumstances:
- The acts in question were careless or negligent, not reckless
- The driver did not pose a substantial risk of harm to others
- No conscious disregard for others’ safety was present
- Justifiable reasoning, such as a medical emergency
- Insufficient evidence to secure a conviction
- Police officer misconduct or an unlawful traffic stop
- Vehicle mechanical failure or other elements outside of the driver’s control
With an aggressive defense strategy crafted by an Arizona reckless driving defense lawyer, you can give yourself the best possible odds of achieving a positive case outcome. Examples include reduced charges, mitigated penalties and case dismissal. Contact Corso Law Group for a free consultation about a specific reckless driving case in Arizona for more information.
