Road rage is an all too common occurrence throughout the state of Arizona, creating hazardous conditions for other drivers. Even though road rage is not considered a crime, the aggressive driving and actions that can result from it may be. If you have been arrested for actions born out of road rage, a Mesa road rage defense lawyer can help you navigate the legal process when you are uncertain how to proceed.
Acts of road rage are taken seriously by the state of Arizona, and a Mesa criminal defense lawyer knows how to navigate the complexities of such cases. At Suzuki Law Offices, our team of trial lawyers has extensive experience protecting our clients’ rights, building strong defenses, and providing excellent legal counsel and service. Our compassionate team is ready to fight for you and improve your outcome.
What Constitutes Road Rage and Aggressive Driving
While frustration with other drivers on the road may happen from time to time, when those feelings turn into road rage, they can quickly lead to actions that may result in criminal charges. Depending on the severity of the road rage, these charges could carry serious consequences. Examples of road rage and aggressive driving include:
- Tailgating
- Offensive curses and gestures
- Weaving
- Blocking cars
- Sideswiping cars
- Running through red lights
- Pushing drivers off the road
- Use of weapons
Arizona outlines the penalties for acts of aggressive driving in A.R.S. §28-695. Punishments can include being required to attend traffic survival school, receiving a license suspension, and being sentenced to serve jail time for repeat offenses. An experienced lawyer can assess your actions and charges and tailor your defense to the situation you are facing.
Road Rage and Aggressive Driving Defined
While road rage and aggressive driving are similar to one another, there are some differences between the two. According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety, aggressive driving fails to acknowledge the other drivers on the road or the consequences of their actions and is a traffic offense. On the other hand, road rage is a criminal offense where the driver shows an intentional disregard for other motorists and may employ assault or weaponry in the process.
The Impact of Evidence on Your Defense
Evidence plays an important role in your defense and influences the outcome of your charges. Your road rage defense lawyer in Mesa will know what evidence can be used in a criminal defense case and will thoroughly investigate and gather evidence to build your defense and disprove the prosecution’s claims. During the discovery process, they may find and use some of the following types of evidence:
- Physical evidence: Can include property damage, weaponry, glass or debris, and more.
- Testimonies: May include statements from individuals who witnessed the chain of events surrounding the road rage or statements from professional experts who can speak to a specific aspect of the case.
- Demonstrative evidence: Additional evidence that could include visuals, maps, or demonstrations.
- Digital evidence: Could include phone data or images, dashcam footage, surrounding surveillance videos, and more.
Solid evidence in your case can help your lawyer fight the charges you may be faced with. They will know what evidence will carry the maximum impact for your situation, and present it during your case. It is important to talk with your lawyer to assess what forms of evidence are available to you and may be viable options.
Implications of Criminal Charges on Your Life
Criminal charges have long-term consequences and far-reaching implications for your future and could continue to affect your daily life long after your actions of road rage and sentencing fulfillment have passed. These effects on your life are known as collateral consequences and can further limit your freedoms. Some of the common ways collateral consequences can affect your life include:
- Employment
- Housing
- Voting
- Serving on a jury
- Public Benefits
- Driver’s license
- Professional licensing
- Business licensure
- Education
- Immigration status
- Government jobs or loans
- Family and custody
- Registration
Collateral consequences can be defined and implemented on a federal, state, or local level. They can also fluctuate in duration and whether or not the consequences are mandatory or discretionary. Discuss what types of collateral consequences you may face for your circumstances when hiring a defense lawyer.
Benefits of Hiring a Road Rage Lawyer
If you are wondering why hire a criminal defense lawyer, you should know that criminal charges are a serious and complex matter, and not having a lawyer represent you can be detrimental to your case. If you are facing criminal charges as a result of road rage, it is important to invoke your rights immediately and hire a Mesa road rage defense attorney to represent you. Leaning on the knowledge and experience of your defense lawyer and letting them speak for you is in your best interest, so you do not say anything to hurt your defense.
Your lawyer will work tirelessly to get you the best outcome for your case. That could look like reduced charges, punishment, jail time, or getting your case dismissed altogether. It is important not to hold anything back from your defense lawyer about your situation so they can provide you with a strong defense and accurate legal counsel about your options, strategies, and the strength of your case.
When working on your case, your lawyer will develop a strategy for your defense, review all applicable and relevant evidence, and negotiate on your behalf. They can also provide support and walk you through what to expect throughout the process. Their extensive knowledge will also help you avoid any actions that might hurt your case.
Suzuki Law Offices Can Represent You in a Road Rage Case
If you are facing charges for road rage, Suzuki Law Offices can provide you with strong representation and unique solutions for your situation. A road rage defense attorney in Mesa will keep you updated every step of the way and will get you the best outcome possible. Contact our team today for a free consultation, and let us protect your rights throughout the legal process.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form