You are driving through a busy intersection when another driver cuts you off, nearly causing a collision. You find yourself enraged, slamming on your car horn, screaming, and getting involved in a heated confrontation with the other driver. While road rage itself is not a crime, if you become violent or the alleged victim accuses you of harming them, you could be facing criminal charges.
Fortunately, with help from a reputable Scottsdale road rage defense lawyer from Suzuki Law Offices, with a history of integrity and excellence, you can take charge of your defense strategy. When an alleged victim suffered serious bodily injury or death, the consequences of a conviction could be devastating. Craft the strongest defense possible with help from a highly regarded Scottsdale criminal defense lawyer at our firm when you contact our legal team to request a confidential consultation.
Scottsdale Road Rage Defense FAQ
How Do I Post Bail?
You may need to post bail before you can secure your release from police custody. Not everyone will be granted bail per ARS §13-3967. If you were involved in a road rage incident that caused severe bodily injury or death, it is possible the judge will deny bail, particularly if you have a long criminal history. However, if the judge does not have reason to believe you pose a threat to Scottsdale residents or society at large, they may be more willing to grant bail, albeit at a much higher rate.
The judge may grant bail but require you to pay a considerable sum of money to secure your release. This is designed to ensure you appear at your next court date. A bail bondsman may be able to help you post bail at a fraction of the cost so you can get home to your family as soon as possible.
What Are Collateral Consequences?
Collateral consequences refer to the various ways your life may continue to be affected even after you have completed the terms of your sentence. The type of crime you are accused of committing will determine how severe these collateral consequences may be. For example, if you are convicted of assault due to a road rage incident, this will remain on your criminal record until you are able to secure an expungement.
This could have a devastating impact on your ability to find a job or housing or start to pick up the pieces of your life. You may also be placed on probation, which will involve strict court monitoring, random drug or alcohol screenings, and, in some cases, the requirement that you complete an anger management treatment program. Other, more serious collateral consequences could include the risk of deportation or the loss of child custody or visitation rights.
Is There a Statute of Limitations on Road Rage Charges in Scottsdale?
No, there is no statute of limitations on road rage charges in Scottsdale because road rage is not a criminal offense. However, the crimes related to road rage could certainly carry a statute of limitations deadline. For example, if you are accused of committing misdemeanor assault, the district attorney may have as little as one year from the date of the offense to file formal charges.
If you are accused of committing a felony-level crime due to a road rage event, the statute of limitations may be even longer. People facing most types of felony charges may find the statute of limitations does not expire until seven years from the date of the incident per ARS §13-107. You can find out exactly how much longer the prosecutor has to file charges against you when you contact a Scottsdale violent crimes lawyer from Suzuki Law Offices for a confidential consultation.
What Are Stacked Criminal Charges?
Stacked criminal charges describe a situation where you are charged with multiple criminal offenses related to a single event. For example, if you were involved in a road rage incident and subsequently accused of committing assault, reckless, and disorderly conduct, these criminal charges could be stacked against you. If you are convicted on all counts, the judge has the option of requiring you to serve your terms consecutively instead of concurrently.
This means if you were sentenced to five years in prison for assault and two years in prison for disorderly conduct, you could be incarcerated for up to seven years before you are eligible for parole. Stacked criminal charges could be devastating for your case. If you have concerns that you could be charged with multiple criminal offenses at once, it is crucial that you get a knowledgeable Scottsdale road rage defense attorney on your side as soon as possible to help you prepare accordingly.
Can You Expunge a Road Rage Conviction Under Arizona Law?
There is no formal conviction for road rage under Arizona law. This means your Scottsdale road rage defense lawyer cannot get a road rage conviction expunged, nor can you seal your criminal record in Arizona. However, if you were charged with a crime related to road rage, that offense may be eligible for expunction, depending on the specific circumstances of your case.
Most crimes have a waiting period that must be met before you qualify for expunction. Once that waiting period has passed, you may be able to get your record expunged or effectively removed from your criminal history. Under ARS §13-911, you must petition the court to have your record expunged, at which point any alleged victims and the district attorney will have the option to challenge your petition.
Turn to a Strategic Road Rage Defense Lawyer in Scottsdale for Help Today
Getting angry when another driver puts you, your passengers, or other people on the roadways in jeopardy does not make you a criminal. However, if the alleged victim accuses you of committing a crime or is injured, you could be facing harsh criminal charges and penalties. Take your defense seriously so you can clear your name and put this experience behind you sooner.
Get help building a powerful defense strategy when you turn to a high-powered road rage defense attorney in Scottsdale from Suzuki Law Offices. Our firm offers comprehensive legal support and confidential consultations to those who do not trust their defense to a public defender. Complete our secured contact form or call us to schedule your defense strategy session as soon as today.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form