Arizona criminal speeding charges can carry jail, probation, and a lasting record; this firm handles defenses across the state including Tempe and Phoenix. Derek Oliverson is a former judge, prosecutor, and police officer who brings courtroom insight and practical experience to your case.
Calm, experienced criminal speeding defense from former judge and prosecutor — protect your freedom and driving record.
Criminal speeding in Arizona is more than a traffic ticket. Under ARS §28-701.02, certain high-speed violations — like exceeding 35 mph in a school zone, going 20+ mph over on a residential street, or driving 85+ mph — are class 3 misdemeanors. A conviction could lead to jail time, probation, fines, and a criminal record that affects employment, licensing, and immigration status.
Oliverson Law brings a combined 30+ years of criminal-defense experience and insider perspective to these cases. Founded in 2009 by Derek Oliverson, a former Glendale City Court judge, Mohave County prosecutor, and Henderson police officer, our team knows how prosecutors build speeding cases and what defenses matter most at arraignment, pretrial, and trial.
Most clients reach out in moments of fear and uncertainty. These are the concerns we hear most often:
We review the citation, officer reports, and any speed-measuring device data immediately to identify weaknesses and preservation issues.
We seek calibration records, maintenance logs, dashcam or radar data, and witness statements to challenge accuracy and reliability.
We file motions to suppress or exclude unreliable evidence and argue statutory elements under ARS §28-701.02 and related provisions when appropriate.
We pursue reduced charges or diversion where possible, and prepare for trial when necessary to protect your rights and driving record.
Our goal is to minimize legal exposure and protect your record and freedom.
We negotiate with prosecutors to reduce a criminal speeding charge to a lesser offense or a civil citation when the evidence allows.
We pursue procedural and evidentiary challenges that could lead to dismissal when officers fail to follow required practices or evidence is unreliable.
Where appropriate, we seek diversion, deferred sentences, or probation terms that limit long-term consequences and avoid jail.
If necessary, we prepare a full trial strategy to contest the prosecution’s evidence and protect your constitutional rights before a judge or jury.
Criminal speeding in Arizona appears in a few common forms — each carries different elements and risks.
Defenses depend on the evidence, but common approaches challenge accuracy, procedure, and statutory elements.
Attack the reliability of radar, LIDAR, pacing, or officer estimates by obtaining calibration records, operator training logs, and examining environmental factors that affect readings.
Develop witness statements, video evidence, or GPS data that contradict the officer’s version and show a lower speed or lawful conduct.
Identify failures to follow proper stop or ticketing procedures, or chain-of-custody problems with speed-measuring devices that can undermine prosecution proof.
Argue the prosecution cannot prove a specific statutory element required under ARS §28-701.02 or that an offense better fits a civil speeding violation rather than a criminal one.
Your defense is backed by a former judge who understands how decisions are made, a former prosecutor who knows how the state builds cases, and a former police officer who knows enforcement tactics inside and out.
Our attorneys have defended thousands of criminal cases across Arizona courts.
Insight into prosecution strategy and judicial decision-making strengthens your defense.
Under ARS §28-701.02, speeding becomes a class 3 misdemeanor when a driver exceeds 35 mph in a school zone, exceeds the posted limit by more than 20 mph on a residential street, or drives 85+ mph on any roadway. Related statutes like ARS §28-693 reckless driving and ARS §28-708 racing address other serious conduct.
Yes. A class 3 misdemeanor can potentially result in jail and probation, depending on case facts and any prior record. Our early case assessment focuses on limiting exposure and seeking alternatives where appropriate.
You should be cautious. Provide identification and basic information, but avoid detailed statements about your actions or condition without consulting counsel. Statements can be used against you; we can advise on how to proceed.
An attorney reviews the traffic stop, challenges measurement devices, checks procedure, negotiates with prosecutors, and prepares defenses for trial if needed. Oliverson Law’s insider experience helps identify defenses other lawyers might miss.
Former judge, prosecutor, and police officer on your side. Available 24/7.
