Road rage is a relatively common issue among drivers in Arizona. It is not unusual for a driver to get upset, frustrated, or angry when another driver breaks a traffic law or almost causes an accident. Although road rage itself is not a crime in Arizona, various actions often connected to road rage could lead to an arrest.
Criminal Charges Often Associated With Road Rage
Road rage is not technically illegal in Arizona. A driver will not get arrested simply for being angry at another driver or frustrated by traffic conditions. However, if a road rage episode escalates into aggressive, reckless or potentially dangerous behaviors on the road, this could result in an arrest and various criminal charges.
Potential charges include:
- Aggressive driving (Arizona Revised Statute [ARS] 28-695): to exceed a reasonable speed or drive at an excessive speed and commit a traffic offense, such as running a red light, passing illegally, making an unsafe lane change, tailgating or failing to yield.
- Reckless driving (ARS 28-693): driving a motor vehicle in reckless disregard for the safety of other persons or property. This may involve speeding, running a red light, passing illegally or following too closely.
- Disorderly conduct with a weapon (ARS 13-2904): engaging in violent or seriously disruptive behavior, fighting, making unreasonable noise, or using abusive or offensive language or gestures. When disorderly conduct involves recklessly handling a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument – including a motor vehicle – it is called endangerment.
- Physical assault (ARS 13-1203): intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causing physical injury to another person; placing another person in reasonable apprehension of imminent physical injury; or knowingly touching another person with intent to injure, insult or provoke the person.
- Aggravated assault (ARS 13-1204): if the road rage driver does not get out of his or her vehicle before injuring another person, it is regarded as aggravated assault: causing physical injury to another person with the use of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
These criminal charges range from Class 2 misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the circumstances. The penalties for these crimes can include fines, jail or prison time, driver’s license suspension or revocation, community service, probation, and mandatory driver’s education courses.
What to Do if You Are Arrested for a Road Rage Incident in Arizona
Criminal accusations and arrests can arise from episodes of road rage in Arizona. If you or a loved one has been arrested for any type of crime associated with road rage behaviors, contact the Arizona reckless driving lawyer for a free case evaluation. We can tell you what to do in this situation, such as:
- Do not try to resist arrest.
- Do not give your permission to search your person or vehicle.
- Use your right to remain silent.
- Do not answer any police questions until an attorney is present.
- Contact a criminal defense lawyer without delay.
Our attorneys can craft a defense strategy suited to your specific charges and circumstances. This may include insufficient evidence, missing criminal elements or justification for your actions (e.g., self-defense or defense of others). Learn more about how our lawyers can help you with an arrest connected to a road rage incident during a free consultation. Call (480) 471-4616.
