Is Speeding a Crime You Can Be Charged With?

Speeding is a common traffic violation that can result in fines, points on your driver’s license, and increased insurance rates. In most cases, speeding is a traffic infraction. But there are circumstances when speeding is charged as a misdemeanor.

If you were charged with speeding as an infraction or a misdemeanor, Stowe Law Firm, PLLC, can fight the ticket and help you avoid irreparable damage like losing your driving privileges, increased insurance rates, and enhanced penalties for subsequent offenses.

Is a Speeding Ticket Considered a Crime?

Most speeding violations are traffic infractions. But there are circumstances when speeding is charged as a misdemeanor. To better understand your case and help you decide whether and when to hire a lawyer, it is important to understand the answer to “is speeding a crime” and the difference between that and a traffic infraction.

What is the Difference Between an Infraction and a Misdemeanor?

An infraction is less serious than a misdemeanor. In most cases, an infraction does not require a court appearance. If you do not want to fight a traffic ticket, you can plead guilty to an infraction and pay it off. If you are charged with a misdemeanor crime, you must appear in court on your court date.

Misdemeanors are more serious than an infraction, but less serious than a felony. A misdemeanor can result in up to one year in jail, whereas a felony conviction can result in a year or more in prison.

When Is Getting a Speeding Ticket a Crime?

Here are some situations in North Carolina when getting a speeding ticket is a crime.

• Driving 15 mph or more over the speed limit. Driving 15 mph or more over the speed limit can result in a Class 3 misdemeanor criminal charge.
• Driving over 80 mph. Driving more than 80 mph can also be charged as a Class 3 misdemeanor.
• Reckless driving. You can be charged with reckless driving if you drive carelessly, in a way that disregards the safety of others, or is likely to endanger another person or property. Reckless driving is a Class 2 misdemeanor.
• Drag racing. Drag racing can be charged as a Class 2 or 3 misdemeanor, depending on whether the race was prearranged.

Can a Criminal Defense Lawyer Help?

You have the right to challenge any traffic ticket, regardless of whether it was charged as an infraction or a misdemeanor. Stowe Law Firm helps people by defending them against speeding tickets. If you were charged with speeding, especially if it was charged as a misdemeanor, you should hire an experienced speeding ticket lawyer to defend you.

Why Hire a Lawyer for a Speeding Ticket?

Paying off a speeding ticket that was charged as an infraction is the same as pleading guilty. A guilty plea will add points to your license and can result in other penalties. A speeding ticket can also cause your insurance rates to go up. It goes without saying but you should never pay off a speeding ticket without consulting with a lawyer.

In most cases, we can work to have the charges reduced, which can avoid an increase in insurance rates. We can also prevent a speeding ticket from becoming part of your permanent criminal record. If you were pulled over and charged with speeding, Stowe Law Firm can protect your interests.

From our offices in Salisbury, we are committed to protecting drivers throughout North Carolina. Stowe Law Firm frequently defends people who receive speeding tickets throughout Rowan County, Davidson County, Cabarrus County, and Stanly County. Our fees are minimal when compared to what we will save you in terms of time and money. We offer a free consultation on speeding tickets and will work to get you the best resolution.

Contact Stowe Law Firm, PLLC, for Help with Your Speeding Ticket

To learn more, contact Stowe Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation with a North Carolina speeding ticket attorney. We will analyze your case and your driving record, help you explore your options, and determine the best way to proceed.