06 Dec Did You Know Some Arizona Traffic Violations Are Felonies?
In Arizona, breaking the traffic laws can land you in some hot water. Civil violations, like speeding tickets, can typically be dismissed with a small fine or some time in driving school. Criminal traffic violations, on the other hand, mean a court date. You could end up with a misdemeanor or a felony on your record, and you might even have to serve a sentence.
Which Traffic Violations Are Felonies?
All criminal traffic violations require making an appearance in court, but just because you need to go to court does not mean you are facing a felony. Felonies and misdemeanors have different punishments, with felonies being more severe.
Most criminal traffic violations are only misdemeanors, but there are certain circumstances that can make them felonies instead. For example:
Leaving the Scene of an Accident
- Without giving proper assistance
Leaving the scene of an accident without giving proper assistance is a class 6 felony with a minimum sentence of 3 months in prison, and a maximum of over 5 years.
- Where someone was injured
Being involved in an accident where someone is injured and fleeing the scene is a class 5 felony with a minimum sentence of 6 months in prison, up to a maximum of 7 years.
- Where someone was seriously injured or died
If you were involved in an accident where someone died or was seriously injured, you are required to stay at the scene of the accident. If you fail to stop and render aid, it is a class 3 felony with a minimum sentence of 2 years up to a maximum of 25 years.
- Where you were the at-fault driver and someone was seriously injured or died
If you were the at-fault driver and failed to stop, it is a class 2 felony with a minimum sentence of 3 years to a maximum of 35 years in prison.
Driving Under the Influence
Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol in Arizona can be a felony if:
- You’ve had three or more DUI convictions in the last seven years
- There was a passenger under the age of 15 in the vehicle
- You have a suspended or revoked driver’s license
- You were driving the wrong way on a divided highway
- You have a previous DUI and there was tampering with the interlock device or you were driving a vehicle without an interlock device installed
DUIs also have additional consequences like the suspension or revocation of your driver’s license, probation on top of a prison sentence (4 months to 35 years) and the installation of an interlock device (or additional time with the device if you already have one installed).
Need Help with a Felony Traffic Violation?
A felony conviction, even for a traffic ticket, can have lifelong effects. Not only does spending time in prison interrupt your life, it can also affect your social relationships. A felony disqualifies you from procuring certain job licences, impacting your future job opportunities. And the cost of the fines, fees, and restitution you have to pay can bankrupt you.
For help fighting a felony traffic ticket in Scottsdale or Phoenix, contact the certified defense team at Coolidge Law. We treat every client with respect and give every case the close attention it deserves. If you’re facing a felony DUI or other criminal traffic violation, schedule a consultation to find out how we can help.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (12/5/25). Photo by Tim Gouw on Unsplash.