A criminal speeding charge in Arizona is not a minor traffic ticket. It is a criminal offense that can follow you for years. Many drivers in Glendale and across the Phoenix metro area are surprised to learn that speeding can result in a criminal record, fines, and even jail time.
Therefore, taking this charge seriously from the start is essential. The decisions you make early in the process can significantly affect the outcome of your case. Understanding your rights and your options is the first step.
At Guardian Law Group, our Phoenix criminal defense attorneys help clients across Glendale, Peoria, Surprise, and the surrounding communities navigate criminal speeding charges. This post provides general educational information to help you understand what you may be facing.
What Is Criminal Speeding in Arizona?
Arizona law treats certain speeding violations as criminal offenses rather than civil traffic infractions. This distinction matters greatly. A civil traffic ticket results in a fine. However, a criminal speeding charge can result in a misdemeanor conviction on your permanent record.
Under Arizona law, criminal speeding generally applies in specific situations. Because of this, it is important to know when ordinary speeding crosses into criminal territory.
Common Situations That Lead to Criminal Speeding Charges
- Driving 35 mph or more over the posted speed limit
- Driving over 85 mph regardless of the posted limit
- Driving over 45 mph in a school zone where the limit is 25 mph or less
These thresholds are set by state law. Moreover, local municipalities like Glendale may enforce these laws aggressively. As a result, charges in this area are common on major roads like Loop 101, Bell Road, and Grand Avenue.
Penalties for Criminal Speeding in Arizona
Criminal speeding in Arizona is typically charged as a Class 3 misdemeanor. This is the lowest class of misdemeanor in the state. However, do not let that lower classification mislead you into thinking the consequences are minor.
A Class 3 misdemeanor conviction can carry serious consequences. Furthermore, the impact often extends beyond the courtroom and into your daily life.
Potential Consequences of a Conviction
- Up to 30 days in jail
- Fines and surcharges that can add up significantly
- A permanent criminal record
- Points added to your driving record
- Possible driver’s license suspension
- Higher insurance premiums
- Potential impact on employment and professional licensing
In addition, a criminal record can affect background checks for housing, jobs, and other opportunities. This is why fighting the charge — rather than simply paying a fine — is often worth exploring with a qualified attorney.
Why Criminal Speeding Is Different from a Traffic Ticket
Many people treat a criminal speeding notice like a standard traffic violation. This is a common and costly mistake. Unlike a civil traffic infraction, a criminal charge requires a court appearance and triggers your constitutional rights as a defendant.
For example, you have the right to legal representation. You also have the right to challenge the evidence against you. Meanwhile, the prosecution must prove its case. These rights create real opportunities for a skilled defense attorney to work on your behalf.
Furthermore, ignoring the charge or pleading guilty without understanding your options can lock in consequences that may be avoidable. Therefore, speaking with a criminal defense attorney early in the process is strongly advisable.
How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help
Hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney is one of the most important steps you can take after a criminal speeding charge. A knowledgeable attorney can review the facts of your case and identify potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence.
Additionally, an attorney can negotiate on your behalf, explore options like charge reduction or diversion, and represent you in court if needed. The goal is always to pursue the best possible outcome given the specific facts of your situation.
Key Ways an Attorney Can Challenge a Criminal Speeding Charge
- Challenging the speed measurement: Radar and laser devices must be properly calibrated and operated. Errors in this process can undermine the evidence.
- Questioning the officer’s observations: Visual estimations of speed are subjective and can be challenged.
- Reviewing the stop itself: If the traffic stop lacked legal justification, evidence gathered during it may be suppressed.
- Negotiating a reduction: In some cases, it may be possible to negotiate a criminal speeding charge down to a civil traffic violation, which avoids a criminal record.
- Exploring diversion programs: Some defendants may qualify for programs that lead to dismissal upon completion of certain conditions.
Because every case is different, the right strategy depends on the specific evidence, the court, and the circumstances of the stop. An attorney who knows the Glendale courts and the greater Maricopa County system can provide valuable insight.
What to Do After a Criminal Speeding Charge in Glendale
If you were cited for criminal speeding in Glendale, Peoria, Surprise, or anywhere in the Phoenix area, your next steps matter. Acting quickly and thoughtfully can make a real difference in how your case unfolds.
Steps to Take After Being Charged
- Do not ignore the citation. Unlike a standard traffic ticket, a criminal speeding charge requires a court appearance. Missing it can result in a warrant for your arrest.
- Read the citation carefully. Note the court date, the court location, and the specific charge listed. This information helps your attorney start building a response.
- Avoid discussing the incident publicly. What you say — even casually — can potentially be used against you. Keep the details of your case private.
- Gather any relevant information. This includes dashcam footage, witness contact information, or anything else related to the stop.
- Contact a criminal defense attorney promptly. The earlier you involve an attorney, the more options you may have available. Contact Guardian Law Group to discuss your situation with our team.
Local Courts and Jurisdictions in the Glendale Area
Criminal speeding charges in Glendale are typically handled in the Glendale City Court or, depending on where the stop occurred, in Maricopa County Justice Court. Understanding which court handles your case is important for planning your defense.
Additionally, charges that occur on state highways near Glendale — including portions of I-17, Loop 101, or US-60 — may fall under different jurisdictional rules. Moreover, cities like Peoria, Surprise, and El Mirage each have their own municipal court systems. An attorney familiar with these local courts can navigate the process more effectively on your behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Speeding in Arizona
Is criminal speeding a felony in Arizona?
No. Criminal speeding is typically charged as a Class 3 misdemeanor in Arizona. However, it is still a criminal offense. As a result, a conviction can appear on your permanent criminal record.
Can I just pay the fine and avoid court?
Unlike a civil traffic ticket, criminal speeding generally requires a court appearance. Therefore, you cannot simply pay a fine online and move on. Failing to appear can result in additional legal consequences, including an arrest warrant.
Will a criminal speeding conviction affect my driving record?
Yes. In addition to a criminal record, a conviction typically adds points to your Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) driving record. Accumulating too many points can lead to license suspension.
What is the difference between criminal speeding and reckless driving?
Reckless driving is a more serious charge. It is typically a Class 2 misdemeanor and involves driving with a conscious disregard for the safety of others. On the other hand, criminal speeding is based primarily on speed alone. Both charges, however, carry criminal consequences and deserve a strong defense.
Can a criminal speeding charge be reduced or dismissed?
In some cases, yes. Charge reductions, diversion programs, and dismissals are all possible outcomes depending on the facts of your case, your prior record, and how your case is handled. Furthermore, an experienced attorney can evaluate whether these options apply to your situation and advocate accordingly.
Why Choose Guardian Law Group for Your Criminal Speeding Defense
At Guardian Law Group, we understand how unsettling it is to face a criminal charge — even one that might seem minor at first glance. Our criminal defense attorneys take every case seriously. We review the evidence carefully, explain your options clearly, and build a defense strategy focused on achieving the best possible outcome.
We serve clients in Glendale, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, and communities throughout the Valley. Our team is familiar with local courts, local prosecutors, and the legal landscape that shapes how these cases are handled across Maricopa County.
Moreover, we believe that informed clients make better decisions. Because of this, we prioritize clear communication at every step of the process. You will always know where your case stands and what your options are.
Take Action Today — Your Defense Starts Now
A criminal speeding charge in Glendale or anywhere in the Phoenix area is a serious matter that deserves a serious response. The sooner you act, the more options you may have available. Waiting can limit your choices and put your future at greater risk.
Talk with a Phoenix criminal defense attorney at Guardian Law Group to explore your options and understand what steps make sense for your situation. We provide straightforward guidance, thoughtful case review, and dedicated representation at every stage.
Request a free consultation today and take the first step toward protecting your record, your license, and your future.