Aggressive Driving Charges in Arizona

  • Free Consultations
  • We offer Payment Plans
  • No Court Appearances

In minutes you
can have a
lawyer you trust,
taking care of everything.

Why You Should Choose
The Arizona Defense Network?

What People are Saying About ADN

Aggressive Driving Charges in Arizona

Aggressive driving is a criminal offense in Arizona, and you could face serious consequences if found guilty. If you have been charged with aggressive driving in Yuma County, Maricopa County, Pima County, Navajo County, or elsewhere in our state, you need to enlist the services of an attorney specialized in traffic violations.

More

The Arizona Department of Public Safety defines aggressive driving as “a progression of unlawful driving actions,” including speeding, improper lane changing, and improper passing.

“The ‘aggressive driver,’” the Department of Public Safety explains, “fails to consider the human element involved. The anonymity of being behind the wheel gives aggressive drivers a false sense of control and power; therefore, they seldom take into account the consequences of their actions.”

Our Phoenix-based criminal defense attorneys are specialized in reckless driving charges. We have defended countless motorists in criminal traffic violation cases. Our experienced attorneys have argued cases all over the state. They understand all the nuances of Arizona’s traffic laws and are prepared to craft a robust defense strategy to protect your rights and prevent a conviction.

Aggressive Driving Defense Lawyer
Aggressive Driving Defense Attorney

What Is Aggressive Driving?

Aggressive driving has some points in common with reckless driving, but it is a more serious offense, and it carries a harsher punishment. While aggressive driving is a class 1 misdemeanor, reckless driving falls into the class 2 misdemeanor category.

Aggressive driving is more clearly defined than reckless driving, but the difference can be subtle, and it takes a criminal traffic violations specialist to fully understand it. Law enforcement officers and prosecutors have their own subjective views, and courts interpret the law in different ways. When in doubt, ask your Arizona traffic lawyer.

The word aggressive may be misleading. When you think of aggressive driving, forget about the common implications of the word and focus on the behaviors that constitute aggressive driving under Arizona law.

Behaviors Associated with Aggressive Driving

The behaviors listed below are commonly associated with aggressive driving:

  • Expressing frustration at other motorists
  • Failing to pay attention to the road due to texting, eating, etc.
  • Tailgating
  • Speeding
  • Failing to yield right of way
  • Failing to obey traffic control devices
  • “Overtaking and passing another vehicle on the right by driving off the pavement or main traveled portion of the roadway”
  • Following another vehicle too closely
  • Making frequent and inappropriate lane changes

Under Arizona law, you can be charged with aggressive driving if you are speeding and engage in two of the following behaviors:

  • Failure to obey traffic control devices
  • Overtaking and passing another vehicle on the right
  • Unsafe lane changes
  • Following too closely
  • Failure to yield the right of way

How to Fight Aggressive Driving Charges in Arizona

Aggressive driving is a class 1 misdemeanor. As such, it carries severe penalties, especially in the case of repeat offenses.

First Offense

  • Mandatory traffic survival school
  • License suspension for up to 30 days
  • Maximum jail sentence: 6 months
  • Maximum probation: 3 years
  • Maximum fine: $2500
  • 8 points added to your license

Second Offense Within a 24-Month Period

A second offense, in this case, is still a class 1 misdemeanor. The same penalties apply, but the license suspension is extended to one year. Nevertheless, after 45 days, the defendant may apply for a restricted license.

An aggressive driving conviction can leave a permanent mark on your criminal record. Traffic officers often make mistakes, and one of them could cost you your reputation and your driving privileges.

Perhaps you think that you don’t need to contact a law firm specialized in traffic violations. After all, it’s just a traffic ticket, right? This is a mistake that could have devastating consequences for you. When you risk facing a misdemeanor conviction, the only path is to hire the best Arizona traffic attorney you can find.  

Suspended License Defense Strategies Arizona

Aggressive Driving Defense Strategies

If you have hired an experienced traffic lawyer, they will be able to challenge the relevance and validity of the prosecution’s evidence and testimonies.

Defense Strategy No. 1The alleged behavior does not fulfill the statute’s requirements. If your lawyer can prove there is not enough evidence that you were speeding and committed two other relevant violations, the case against you might be dismissed.

Defense Strategy No. 2Civil Rights Violations
If you made an admission of guilt in front of a law enforcement officer, it may be inadmissible in court. When the officer first approached you, they should have reminded you that you had the right to remain silent and the right to counsel. If no one read you your Miranda rights, not a word of what you said can be used against you.

Defense Strategy No. 3Inconsistent reports and testimonies
Inconsistencies between police reports and witness statements can play a key role in your aggressive driving defense. Suppose an officer wrote something in a report and later offered a contradicting statement in court. In that case, their reliability will be in doubt, and your attorney will be able to use that to your advantage.

These are only a few of the most common defense strategies used in aggressive driving cases. Your attorney can develop many more based on the actual circumstances of your case.

Aggressive Driving Penalties in Arizona

If you were charged with aggressive driving in Phoenix, Yuma, Glendale, Gilbert, Mesa, or elsewhere in Arizona. In that case, you can count on our team of criminal traffic violation specialists to fight aggressively on your behalf. Our criminal defense attorneys will work hard to get your charges dismissed.

Our experienced team of lawyers, investigators, and forensic experts can develop a unique defense strategy adapted to the circumstances of your case.

We have defended countless clients in aggressive driving cases in Phoenix, Tucson, Tempe, and beyond. Our team will diligently analyze all the evidence and prepare an aggressive defense.

Our traffic violation specialists understand the devastating impact of a criminal conviction. They are familiar with the mistakes traffic officers tend to make, and they know how prosecutors try to bend the rules to secure a conviction. Our firm is prepared to offer you an initial case assessment free of charge. Contact our Phoenix-based traffic attorneys today for a complimentary consultation.