Just about everyone has gotten a traffic ticket at one point or another in their life, and most of the time, the best course of action in response to getting a ticket is just paying the associated fine and moving on with your life. However, if you have several traffic convictions on your record already or were ticketed for an offense you did not commit, understanding when and how to contest the allegations against you could be key to protecting your best interests and even your personal freedom.
If you want to take effective action against a traffic ticket in the area, you will almost certainly need assistance from an experienced Phoenix, AZ traffic lawyer. At Phillips Law Group, our defense attorneys are not afraid to go to court and fight for your rights on your behalf, and once retained, we can work tirelessly and tenaciously to get you the best possible result from your case.
How the “Points System” for Traffic Offenses Work
In addition to monetary fines and administrative fees, every moving violation codified in Arizona state law has a “point” value attached to it, which allows courts to attach the designated number of points to the driver’s license of anyone who is convicted of or pleads guilty to the offense in question. As of 2024, the point values associated with various traffic offenses here are as follows:
- Eight points – standard driving under the influence (DUI), extreme DUI, reckless driving, and aggressive driving
- Six points – hit-and-run and causing fatal injury through a failure to stop or yield
- Four points – causing serious injury through a failure to stop or yield
- Three points – speeding, driving in the “gore area” (the space in the angle formed between a highway entrance/exit lane and the highway itself), and parking in the gore area
- Two points – all other traffic offenses
Anyone who accumulates eight or more points within 12 continuous months is subject to mandatory completion of Traffic Survival School or a 12-month license suspension, and anyone who accumulates 24 or more points within 36 continuous months will automatically have their license suspended for a year. This illustrates why fighting individual traffic offenses in Phoenix, AZ, with a skilled attorney’s support, can be so important.
Fighting a Traffic Ticket in Arizona
Unlike some other states, Arizona does not provide any means for state residents to contest traffic tickets without appearing in court. Fighting against a traffic offense requires showing up to court at the date and time indicated on the ticket and pleading “not guilty.” After that, the judge may schedule a trial for a later date, during which the defendant and their legal counsel can present evidence and testimony in their own defense.
Alternatively, it may be possible in some cases to negotiate for a reduction in penalties associated with a traffic ticket provided that the defendant pleads guilty to the offense or to negotiate for a dismissal of the ticket conditioned on the defendant completing defensive driving school. A traffic lawyer in Phoenix, AZ can explain the prerequisites for these options in more detail during a free, no-obligation consultation.
Discuss Your Legal Options With a Phoenix, AZ Traffic Attorney
Fighting traffic tickets can sometimes be risky, given that courts are often more inclined to impose harsh penalties on people who try to contest traffic offenses and fail. With a skilled Phoenix, AZ traffic lawyer on your side, you will be able to build the strongest defense possible for your circumstances and give yourself the best possible chances of securing a favorable outcome.
We have been locally owned and operated in the Phoenix metro area for more than 30 years and have extensive experience handling traffic cases proactively and effectively. Contact a member of our team today to learn more about what Phillips Law Group can do for you.
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