What Traffic Crimes Can Result in Significant Fines or Jail Time?

In Arizona, there are several traffic crimes that can result in significant fines or even jail time, depending on the severity of the offense.

Driving under the influence, reckless driving resulting in another person’s death, hit and run accidents and highway racing all are examples of serious traffic offenses that can cost you not only your money but also your freedom.

If you’re facing serious traffic crime charges like manslaughter or a hit and run prosecution, you’ll likely need to seek the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney who can explain your rights and options. An attorney can work to build a strong defense and negotiate with prosecutors to potentially reduce charges or penalties.

You must also take the charges seriously and comply with any court appearances or requirements, as failing to do so can lead to additional charges and penalties.

What Are Criminal Traffic Violations?

Criminal traffic violations are offenses that are considered to be criminal in nature and are related to the operation of a motor vehicle. These violations are a lot more serious than minor traffic violations, such as speeding, failing to signal or parking in a handicapped zone, and may result in criminal charges and penalties.

Examples of criminal traffic violations include:

• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol (DUI)
• Reckless driving
• Hit and run accidents
• Vehicular manslaughter
• Driving with a suspended or revoked license
• Evading the police
• Highway racing
• Criminal speeding

Common Criminal Traffic Violations and Penalties in Arizona

Driving Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol (DUI)

Arizona is a zero-tolerance state and has some of the strictest DUI laws in the United States, and penalties for a conviction can be severe. Any amount of a controlled substance in a driver's system can result in a DUI charge.

The penalties for a first-time DUI conviction in Arizona can include:

• No less than 10 days in jail
• A fine of at least $1,250
• Mandatory alcohol counseling
• Installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) on your car

Repeat DUI offenses can result in even more severe penalties, including longer prison time, higher fines and longer periods of mandatory IID use.

Hit and Run

A hit and run accident is one where a driver leaves the scene of an accident without stopping to make sure the other party or parties are okay, summon help and exchange personal and insurance information. This is a serious offense, and penalties for a hit and run conviction can be severe.

In Arizona, if a driver leaves the scene of an accident without providing this information or assistance, they can be charged with hit and run. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, a hit and run can result in the following penalties:

• Class 5 felony: The driver left the scene of an accident involving non-serious injury. Penalties include anywhere from probation to 2.5 years in prison and a revoked driver’s license for three years.
• Class 3 felony: The driver didn’t cause the accident but left the accident scene, which involved serious injury or death. Penalties include anywhere from probation to 8.75 years in prison and a revoked driver’s license for five years.
• Class 2 felony: The driver caused and left the accident, which involved serious injury or death. Penalties include anywhere from probation to 12.5 years in prison and a revoked driver’s license for 10 years.

Vehicular Manslaughter

Vehicular manslaughter happens when a person unintentionally causes the death of another person while operating a motor vehicle.

In Arizona, vehicular manslaughter can be charged in several different circumstances. It may involve driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, where the impaired driver causes a fatal accident even though they didn’t intend to kill anyone. It can also involve reckless or aggressive driving and excessive speeding where the driver's negligence leads to a deadly crash.

To prove vehicular manslaughter, the prosecution must demonstrate the driver's actions were a substantial cause of the victim's death. This may involve evidence such as witness testimony, results of a law enforcement crash investigation, physical evidence from the accident scene and the results of blood alcohol tests or other chemical tests.

In Arizona, a conviction for vehicular manslaughter can result in a prison sentence of anywhere from seven to 21 years, significant fines and a long-term loss of driving privileges. Repeat offenders may face even harsher penalties.

Are You Facing a Criminal Traffic Violation in Phoenix?

If you're facing a criminal traffic violation in Phoenix, don't wait for things to sort themselves out. Instead, seek the help of Arizona Board-Certified criminal defense attorney Michael Alarid. He will work tirelessly to protect your rights, create a strong defense and fight to for your best interests.

Call us today at 602.818.3110 to schedule a consultation and learn how we can assist you in resolving your case.