Aggravated Speeding Attorney Overview

Lawyer Representation for Criminal Traffic Violations

Most people are familiar with the experience of being pulled over for speeding or another type of traffic violation such as running a red light. While this type of traffic stop is not an enjoyable experience, and a ticket can affect one's driving record and insurance premiums, it pales in comparison to the penalties one can face for aggravated speeding.

If you have been arrested and charged with aggravated speeding or reckless driving, you should contact an experienced criminal defense attorney right away. A skilled lawyer can help you understand your best options for defense and work to minimize the consequences of these charges to your driver's license.

Penalties for Aggravated Speeding

Driving above the posted speed limit is typically not charged as a crime, but is instead a petty offense or infraction that results in a fine. However, depending on state laws, multiple offenses can result in "points" being added to one's driving record, and a person's license may be suspended if they receive a certain number of points within a certain period of time. An offender will typically see their insurance rates increase after they receive a ticket, although they may be able to avoid this by accepting a sentence of court supervision and refraining from committing further violations during the period of supervision.

In some circumstances, speeding may result in criminal charges. These cases are known as aggravated speeding, and while the laws regarding what constitutes aggravated speeding vary from state to state, the following activities generally fall into this category of offense:

• Driving well in excess of the speed limit - State laws may provide harsher penalties for a driver who drives 25 or 35 miles per hour or more above the posted speed limit. This is often charged as a misdemeanor, which is typically punished by $500 to $1,000 in fines and up to one year in jail.
• Speeding in a school or construction zone - The speeds of vehicles around areas where children or workers may be in danger are strictly regulated, and fines for speeding are usually higher in these zones. While driving above a posted speed limit in these areas is usually a petty offense, it can result in criminal charges if a person drives well in excess of the speed limit or causes an accident which resulted in someone's bodily harm or death.
• Street racing - Engaging in illegal driving competitions such as drag racing is often charged as a misdemeanor, along with steep fines.
• Reckless driving - Driving in a manner than creates a risk to others' safety is a serious offense that is usually charged as a misdemeanor. If reckless driving leads to someone's injury, it may be charged as a felony.

While each state has its own laws related to what is considered aggravated speeding, drivers who are charged with this type of offense will usually face significant fines, jail time, and the loss of their driver's license. If you have been arrested for aggravated speeding, reckless driving, or a related offense, an experienced attorney can help you understand the best defense strategy that will allow you to get back on the road as soon as possible.