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Flagstaff Criminal Traffic Lawyer for Serious Driving Charges

Criminal Traffic Charges Aren’t “Just Tickets” — They Carry Real Criminal Penalties

Arizona treats certain driving behaviors as crimes, not civil infractions. That means you could be facing:


  • A criminal misdemeanor on your record
  • Jail time (up to 4 months or more, depending on the offense)
  • License suspension or points
  • Increased insurance rates
  • Difficulty with jobs requiring a clean driving history

Many people don’t realize how serious these charges are until they receive a court summons.


Matthew Poirier defends people across Flagstaff, Sedona, Williams, Page, Winslow, and Tuba City who are charged with criminal traffic offenses — working to avoid a criminal conviction, reduce charges, and protect your driving record.

What Counts as a Criminal Traffic Offense in Arizona?

Reckless Driving

Driving “with reckless disregard for the safety of others” — often charged in speed-related incidents, weaving, aggressive maneuvers, or after minor collisions.

Criminal Speeding (Excessive Speed)

A Class 3 misdemeanor if you:


  • Exceed the posted limit by 20+ mph, or
  • Drive 85+ mph anywhere in Arizona


Common around the I-17 and I-40 corridors near Flagstaff

Aggressive Driving

A more serious charge combining speeding with unsafe lane changes or tailgating.

Driving on a Suspended License (DOSL)

Occurs often due to unpaid fines, MVD issues, or automatic suspensions — many people don’t even know they’re suspended.

Hit & Run / Failure to Stop

Leaving the scene of an accident (even a minor one). Misdemeanor or felony depending on injuries from the accident, and may even result in assault charges.

Racing / Exhibition of Speed

Common in NAU-area or I-17 cases; officers may charge this aggressively even when evidence is unclear.

Don’t Make These Mistakes After a Criminal Traffic Charge

  • Treating it like a civil ticket and missing court — which can result in a warrant
  • Pleading guilty without understanding long-term consequences
  • Assuming “it’s just speeding” — when it’s actually a criminal charge
  • Not fixing a suspended license before court
  • Talking to police or prosecutors without legal guidance
  • Failing to gather evidence (dashcam, witness statements, accident photos)
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How We Defend Criminal Traffic Charges in Flagstaff

01

Reducing Criminal Charges to Civil Tickets

In reckless or criminal speeding cases, Matthew often negotiates reductions to civil speeding or other non-criminal dispositions — keeping your record clean.

02

Challenging Officer Interpretation

Many charges (like reckless or aggressive driving) rely heavily on officer judgment. We contest exaggerated or unsupported claims.

03

Fixing License Issues Fast

For suspended license cases, we help clients quickly reinstate their license — a powerful negotiating tool in court.

04

Accident-Related Defenses

For hit-and-run charges, we explore whether you:



  • Did not realize a collision occurred
  • Left due to safety concerns
  • Made efforts to report later
  • Were misidentified

05

Highlighting Your Clean Record

Prosecutors and judges often show leniency when the client has no prior criminal history and demonstrates responsibility.

 If You’re Unsure What to Do Next, Start Here

If You Received a Criminal Speeding Citation

We work to get it reduced to a civil ticket — often preventing a criminal record.

If You’re Accused of Reckless Driving

We highlight mitigating factors and challenge officer interpretation.

If Your License Was Suspended

We help you reinstate your license before court, increasing chances of reduction or dismissal.

If You Left the Scene of an Accident

Contact us immediately — early action can significantly reduce penalties or prevent escalation.

If You're an NAU Student or Out-of-State Driver

We frequently represent students and travelers; many cases are handled with minimal court appearances.

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Criminal Traffic Offense FAQ

  • Is reckless driving a misdemeanor in Arizona?

    Yes — it’s a Class 2 misdemeanor, with possible jail time, fines, and license consequences.

  • Will I get a criminal record for criminal speeding?

    Not necessarily. Many cases are reduced to civil violations when properly defended.

  • I didn’t know my license was suspended. Is that a defense?

    Lack of notice can be a defense, and reinstating your license often helps drastically.

  • Do I need to appear in court?

    In many misdemeanor cases, your attorney may appear on your behalf.

  • Will I go to jail?

    Jail is possible but not typical for first-time offenders — strong defense matters.

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Protect Your License. Protect Your Record. Protect Your Future.

Criminal traffic charges can spiral quickly — but with the right defense, they are often negotiable, reducible, or dismissible.



Whether you were stopped on I-17, I-40, downtown Flagstaff, or anywhere in Northern Arizona, we’re ready to help.