Criminal Traffic Tickets
Arizona is hard on traffic violations.
Relative to other states, Arizona has some harsh criminal traffic charges. Arizona has criminalized many activities that one can perform in a car, from driving too quickly, to having an expired registration in some cases. Most clients we work with on criminal traffic tickets have never been charged with a crime before. Our clients are very concerned with mitigating any negative consequences that may result from a criminal conviction.
What is the goal in a criminal traffic case?
Usually, we are hired to try to avoid the criminal conviction as the primary goal, and we are frequently successful with that. A lot depends on the specific facts of the case, some of which cannot be known until the case is underway. It may not be an easy task to obtain a non-criminal resolution, but whatever the chances, they will significantly improve with the assistance of an experienced attorney.
Common Criminal Traffic Violations
If you have received a criminal traffic ticket in Arizona, give us a call to learn about your rights and options so that you may make an informed decision on how to proceed. We represent clients with criminal traffic tickets throughout the state of Arizona.
Court Process for Criminal Traffic Tickets
Criminal traffic tickets aren’t like civil traffic tickets – you can’t just pay the fine over the phone or choose to take defensive driving school. A criminal traffic ticket goes through the same process that other criminal charges such as shoplifting or assault go through.
Arraignment
This is the court date on your ticket.
Discovery
This is the process of getting information in your case.
Pretrial Conferences
This is usually a meeting with the prosecutor, sometimes in front of a judge, to talk about discovery and potential resolution.
Negotiation
Once you have all of the information in your case, you may be in a position to try to negotiate an improved outcome.
Change of Plea
If you reach an agreement with the prosecution, you may formalize that agreement at a change of plea hearing.
Trial
If no agreement can be reached, you may set your case for trial.