Fatal Traffic Accident Violations in AZ
Fatal traffic accidents in Arizona often involve one or more violated traffic laws. If you cause a deadly car accident due to a traffic violation, you could face criminal charges, civil penalties, and administrative consequences. An experienced Arizona traffic violations attorney can protect you when facing these charges as much as possible.
Criminal Charges for Fatal Traffic Accident Violations in Arizona
Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) § 28-672 makes “causing serious physical injury or death by a moving violation” a crime. This law states that if a person violates certain traffic laws, and this violation results in a motor vehicle accident causing the death of another person, it is a class 1 misdemeanor that can have serious criminal consequences.
Under this law, being guilty of a fatal traffic accident violation in Arizona can result in penalties of up to 30 days in jail, one year of probation and/or up to $1,000 in fines. In addition, the driver may be required to attend and complete traffic survival school and perform community restitution. Finally, a judge can direct the Department of Motor Vehicles to suspend the driver’s license for at least 180 days.
If this is not the driver’s first time causing a death with a severe traffic violation, the penalties imposed will be increased. If the individual was violating another criminal law at the time, such as driving under the influence, auto theft or criminal speeding, this could also enhance the consequences.
Common Traffic Violations Associated With Fatal Car Accidents in Arizona
To be arrested and charged with a traffic violation under ARS § 28-672, the driver must have committed at least one of the specific traffic violations listed in the statute:
- Running a red light (Section 28-645, subsection A, paragraph 3, subdivision (a))
- Work zone violation (Section 28-710)
- Unsafe lane change (Section 28-729)
- Failure to yield the right-of-way at an intersection (Section 28-771)
- Unsafe or illegal left-hand turn (Section 28-772)
- Ignoring a stop sign (Section 28-773 and Section 28-855, subsection B)
- Failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk (Section 28-792)
- Failing to exercise due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians (Section 28-794)
- Violating school zone traffic laws (Section 28-797, subsection F, G, H or I)
- Illegally overtaking a school bus (Section 28-857, subsection A)
- Illegally using a cell phone while driving (Section 28-914)
Any negligent, careless, or reckless violation of one of these traffic laws, resulting in a fatal car accident, could have criminal consequences for the driver.
How Can Our Phoenix Criminal Defense Attorney Help?
Causing someone’s death while driving a motor vehicle, both unintentionally and intentionally, can have criminal consequences in Arizona. Whether you are facing charges for a deadly moving violation or vehicular homicide, hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney is critical if you wish to protect your rights and future.
Our traffic violation attorney in Arizona can help you avoid the worst possible penalties associated with your specific charges through aggressive negotiations with the prosecution or representation during a criminal trial. You can trust our attorneys to fight for a positive case outcome on your behalf using proven legal strategies.
If you have recently been arrested for a fatal traffic accident violation in Arizona, contact Corso Law Group for a free consultation about how we can help. We have achieved many positive case results for past clients.
