Traffic Law in Chandler, AZ

Chandler has multiple programs and tools to manage traffic in the area. The city has a management center, dynamic message signs (DMS), and red light enforcement.

Nonetheless, no system is perfect. Severe or deadly accidents remain a regular occurrence in the area. For example, there was a fatal rollover accident on I-10 in January 2023.

The aftermath of the incidents can last a lifetime. Even minor injuries can cause long-lasting discomfort and the need for therapeutic services. This article will help you understand the law and how an attorney can advocate for what you deserve.

Chandler, Arizona Traffic Law

The laws that govern the rules of the road in Chandler, Arizona are traffic laws. Breaking these statutes can result in degrees of severity, ranging from minor speeding tickets to DUI. The repercussions of such violations can include fines, license suspension, and even imprisonment.

If someone doesn’t contest a traffic violation, authorities may assign points to their driver’s license. Insurance providers often use these points to determine the premium for car insurance over a few years. Furthermore, collecting too many demerits can end in a license suspension or revocation.

Like other states, Arizona utilizes a point system to monitor and penalize drivers for traffic violations. Arizona Revised Statutes specify that each violation receives a set number of points, ranging from one to eight. For instance, a speeding violation might be worth two points. However, a DUI conviction could be worth eight.

You lose your license after accumulating eight or more points within 12 months. Alternatively, 12 or more points within 24 months have the same penalty. If you have 14 or above, the state can revoke your license.

Legal Strategies to Fight Chandler, Arizona Traffic Tickets

Many people don’t know they can win a dispute over a traffic ticket. Some individuals may think it’s not worth the cost. However, avoiding points on your license can be more cost-effective in the long run. If you enlist the help of an experienced Chandler attorney, you may prevail.

Sometimes the police officer doesn’t even appear in court. This situation results in a victory, and you won’t have to pay for the ticket.

You may find yourself challenging the citation in the Chandler Municipal Court. But more substantial violations could go to a state judiciary.

If the officer does appear in court, a skilled traffic attorney can present a compelling case to defend you. Your attorney might use several legal tactics to assist you in contesting a traffic ticket.

Challenge the Officer’s Conclusion in Traffic Law Court

Your attorney may challenge the determination made by the police in Chandler, AZ. For instance, an officer may assert that you made an illegal turn. But your lawyer could argue that the officer did not have a clear view of the situation.

Challenge the Officer’s Observations in Traffic Law Court

Your traffic law attorney in Chandler must create doubt on the officer’s testimony to succeed. It can be challenging for a driver to accomplish this independently since judges tend to agree with local police.

Nonetheless, if you can produce evidence that supports your position, you may have a chance of winning. Here are a few examples of evidence that could be beneficial:

• Witness testimony from pedestrians or passengers
• Demonstrating the police could not have seen the incident in question
• Producing an illustration of your position compared to the law enforcement officer that gave you the citation
• Sharing a photo or video that contradicts your traffic ticket

Prove Your Conduct Was Legally Justified

You can present an argument that dangerous circumstances made your actions necessary. Many examples could work in a Chandler, AZ courtroom.

Your primary objective is to persuade the judge that you have a justifiable reason. Here are a few standards to consider:

• Ignoring the posted speed limit to get someone to the ER
• Weaving after you spill coffee in your lap due to a pothole
• Moving at a slower speed to complete a left turn

Prove Your Conduct Was Necessary to Avoid Harm

To avoid harm to yourself or others, you may have to violate traffic laws in Chandler. This fact can be a legitimate defense to fight a traffic ticket. However, the circumstances must be accurate and well-reasoned. Here are some instances where breaking traffic laws may be necessary to prevent harm:

• Veering your vehicle to avoid a truck that suddenly entered your lane
• Exceeding the speed limit to avoid an accident with a car that has lost control
• Stopping unexpectedly to prevent hitting a domestic animal on the road
• Driving over the speed limit to avoid a rear-end collision

Prove Your Conduct Was a “Mistake of Fact”

Making an honest and understandable error during a traffic violation is a “mistake of fact.” You can use this as a defense strategy to fight your traffic ticket. But it’s important to have photo evidence of the situation to present in court.

The judge will decide whether your error was a mistake of fact. Some examples where this defense may apply include:

• You did not stop at a stop sign because of obstructions that prevented you from seeing it.
• Severe glare from the sun meant you did not see a light turn yellow and proceeded as usual.
• A yield sign was hard to read or faded, and you drove through an intersection.

Traffic School Programs

Attending a state-approved traffic school can be beneficial and clear your driving record. Nonetheless, the judge may mandate it after a guilty conviction for severe speeding or a DUI. It requires some fees, but that expense can be worthwhile in the long run.

The Arizona Judicial Branch has an online portal that finds approved programs based on your court date. Additionally, you must verify your violation qualifies for these courses. A few organizations in Chandler to choose from include the following:

• Traffic School to Go
• Driving University
• Drive Safe AZ

Work With an Experienced Chandler, Arizona Traffic Law Lawyer

Facing law enforcement officers in court can be overwhelming. It can also be a mountain to climb with previous traffic violations. Although there are no guarantees, working with a traffic law attorney in Chandler can bring back impartiality.

If you need help with your case, contact us online or call (866) 345-6784. We will connect you to a qualified traffic law lawyer in your area. If your violation happened in another jurisdiction, we have legal counsel across Arizona state lines.