As if driving on Interstate 19, Interstate 10, or another busy roadway in Tucson was not stressful enough due to the congestion, when you are accused of road rage, the consequences could be serious. While road rage itself may not land you in jail, if you commit a crime while enraged in traffic, you may find yourself facing criminal charges. Thankfully, if you have been accused, you have the right to defend yourself with the support of a zealous Tucson road rage defense lawyer from Suzuki Law Offices.
Depending on the type of crime you are accused of committing, the penalties of a conviction could be harsh and permanently alter the course of your life. A respected Tucson criminal defense lawyer from our firm can help you craft a compelling defense strategy and avoid some of the more serious consequences that come with a guilty verdict. Take action on your defense as soon as today when you contact our legal team 24/7 to schedule a confidential consultation.
What Happens if You Are Accused of Road Rage
Road rage itself is not illegal. However, if you commit a crime during a road rage event, you could face criminal charges. Some of the most common types of related charges include:
- Reckless driving under ARS §28-693, which is punishable by $750 in fines and four months in jail
- Aggressive driving under ARS §28-695, which is punishable by a fine of up to $2,500 and up to six months in jail
- Aggravated assault under ARS §13-1204, which could be punishable by prison time, fines, and suspension or revocation of your driver’s license
You could also be charged with assault under ARS §13–1203 or disorderly conduct with a weapon. These are just a few potential criminal charges you could be facing. You can learn more about the possible penalties associated with a guilty verdict when your Tucson road rage defense attorney from Suzuki Law Offices reviews the details of your case further.
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Get StartedTucson Road Rage FAQ
Is Road Rage a Criminal Offense?
Road rage itself is not considered a criminal offense. It is also not considered a traffic violation. However, it could quickly elevate to a criminal offense if you break the law in the course of your road rage.
For example, let’s say you were experiencing serious road rage in the middle of a traffic jam on the I-10. If you got into a confrontation with another driver and subsequently struck them, you could be charged with assault. If convicted, you could expect to spend time in jail, be ordered to pay fines, and have an assault conviction on your criminal record for the foreseeable future.
Can a Road Rage Conviction Be Expunged?
It depends on the type of crime you are convicted of. Most misdemeanor offenses will qualify for expungement as long as you meet the eligibility requirement as described under ARS §13-911. However, road rage itself is not something that can be expunged from your record as it is not a traffic offense or crime.
If you follow the requirements for expungement, you may need to wait at least a couple of years before you qualify to have your record expunged. If the court determines you intended to cause serious bodily injury or death, expungement may not be on the table in your case. The best way to find out what legal options are available to you may be to consult a reputable Tucson violent crimes lawyer at Suzuki Law Offices.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Road Rage Charges in Tucson?
The statute of limitations for your road rage offense will vary depending on the type of crime you have been charged with. If you are accused of committing a petty offense, for example, under ARS §13-107, the prosecutor may have just six months to file formal charges. However, if you are charged with a misdemeanor, the statute of limitations could last up to one year from the date of the alleged offense.
If you were charged with certain types of felonies, the statute of limitations may not expire for seven years. Generally, the countdown will begin on the day of the offense and expire exactly seven years later. If you are unsure how much longer the district attorney has to file charges against you and want to prepare accordingly, do not hesitate to contact a dedicated Tucson road rage defense attorney at our firm for more information.
Will I Be Granted Bail?
According to ARS §13-3967, the criteria for being granted bail is based on the criminal charges against you and your threat to society. If you have an extensive criminal record or the judge believes you pose an inherent threat to the safety or well-being of others, bail may be denied. However, if you have strong community ties and the judge does not have concerns that you will flee or fail to appear at your next court date, they may be more willing to grant bail.
If you are granted bail, you should expect to post bond before you can secure your release. Your road rage defense lawyer in Tucson may be able to help you prearrange bail so you can get home to your family sooner. If you are lucky, the judge will not require bail at all but instead release you on your own recognizance (ROR).
What Happens When I Am Arraigned?
During arraignment, you have the opportunity to enter your plea. This is where the state files formal criminal charges against you. You have the option of pleading:
- Guilty
- Not guilty
- No contest
If you plead not guilty, the next step will be to discuss bail and set a future trial date. If you plead guilty or no contest, the judge could decide to sentence you on the spot unless you accept a plea bargain. Alternatively, they can schedule a sentencing hearing to be held at a future date.
Lawyer Near Me 602-682-5270Consult a Reputable Road Rage Defense Lawyer in Tucson for Help Today
Road rage may not be classified as a criminal offense, but you could be facing traffic and criminal penalties if you commit a traffic violation or crime when you become enraged while driving. If you lost your cool but do not believe your actions rise to the level of a criminal offense, do not hesitate to get a powerful legal advocate on your side. Turn to a top-rated road rage defense attorney in Tucson from Suzuki Law Offices to clear your name of the allegations against you.
Our team will carefully review the district attorney’s evidence against you to determine how to best approach your defense strategy. In some cases, working on a plea bargain may be the best way to safeguard your future. Fill out our online contact form or call our office to schedule your confidential case review as soon as today.
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