A criminal defense attorney, especially someone experienced in aggravated driving, is used to early morning calls. Sometimes, a frantic parent will call after police arrest their teenage child for aggravated driving.  Other calls may come from the driver—someone whose alleged crime involves injuries to others. Any of these circumstances require immediate legal assistance and guidance.

If prosecutors charge you or a loved one with an aggravated driving offense, don’t feel hopeless. Calling a defense attorney is your best course of action.

Don’t Delay in Retaining the Services of an Aggravated Driving Attorney

a police officer writing traffic ticket to woman sitting in car

If prosecutors charge you with aggravated driving, you need to contact an attorney who understands what it takes to tackle aggravated driving charges – someone who knows how to get the best results. That’s why you should make hiring professional legal services a priority. Having a lawyer by your side is always better when you’re in legal trouble.

Defining and Understanding Aggravated Driving

Aggravated driving charges involve charges that go far beyond regular speeding tickets or minor infractions. These charges mean a whole other level of seriousness of the offense.

Therefore, aggravated driving means you allegedly placed the public at risk or showed a blatant disregard for traffic laws and human life.

That’s why you need to define aggravated driving first so you can go forward with your case.

What Exactly Is Aggravated Driving?

Aggravated driving includes serious traffic violations that go beyond regular offenses because of excessive speed, the use of alcohol or drugs, reckless behavior, or conditions that put the public at risk.

While definitions may vary by jurisdiction, common elements do prevail.

For example, speed is critical in determining whether a driving offense is aggravated. Most jurisdictions consider speeds over 25 to 30 mph over the limit as potential aggravated charges, but context also matters.

For instance, driving 90 miles per hour in a 65 mile per hour zone on an empty highway at noon might differ from driving 60 miles per hour in a 35 mile per hour school zone during dismissal time.

Examples of Aggravating Factors

Aggravating factors can turn a regular traffic ticket into a serious felony.

These factors usually include:

  • Driving while impaired or under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Having a suspended or revoked license at the time of the arrest
  • Causing an accident that results in injury or death
  • Fleeing from the police
  • Committing a driving offense in a school zone or a construction zone

Each of the above circumstances can increase the severity of the charges and consequences.

A Real Life Example

For example, suppose you race down a busy suburban street, reaching 85 miles per hour in a 45-mile-per-hour zone. Moreover, you raced through a school zone with a provisional license.

What would previously have been a speeding ticket now puts you at risk for felony charges, large fines, a mandatory license suspension, and prison time.

Future Consequences

In addition, the consequences of an aggravated driving conviction go far beyond the immediate penalties.

For instance, a charge of aggravated driving can affect:

  • Employment opportunities
  • Insurance rates, which can skyrocket
  • Difficulties in getting insurance coverage
  • Educational opportunities for some drivers

Why You Need a Professional Legal Defense

Judge's gavel and handcuffs on a black background

Attorneys with a successful background in defending traffic tickets bring several critical elements to aggravated driving cases.

First, they know the technical and procedural aspects of traffic law enforcement. It includes knowledge of speed detection methods, equipment calibration, and documentation.

Second, an experienced driving defense lawyer knows the local court system, prosecutors, and judges. You need a lawyer when negotiating plea agreements or alternative sentencing options. They can often get better results than a defendant going it alone.

Third, attorneys can find and pursue valid defenses that others may not develop. These can include challenging the speed measurements and the traffic stop or presenting mitigating circumstances that can affect sentencing. They know how to document and present evidence to support those defenses.

Developing a Defense Strategy

Developing a defense strategy starts with thoroughly reviewing all the facts surrounding the incident.

An aggravated driving defense lawyer examines the police report, weather conditions, traffic patterns, and road conditions at the time of the offense. They might also review the maintenance records of the speed detection equipment and the officer’s certification history.

Good defense attorneys look beyond the incident to get a complete picture of their client. For example, a client with good grades and who takes part in community service can use these factors to support their case. Your lawyer can document these positive aspects by obtaining letters from teachers, coaches, and community leaders.

Alternative Resolution Options

One of the biggest benefits criminal defense attorneys bring is their knowledge of alternative resolution options.

Many jurisdictions have programs for first-time offenders or young drivers. These may include defensive driving courses, community service, or supervised probation instead of more severe penalties.

Early Intervention – Why It’s Vital

Your lawyer can develop a defense strategy more easily if they start on the case right away. Evidence may disappear over time, or the witnesses’ memories can fade. Your lawyer can obtain surveillance footage and review the traffic conditions while interviewing witnesses while the incident is still fresh on their minds.

Early intervention also provides more opportunities to negotiate with prosecutors. Many jurisdictions have timeframes for entering certain programs or alternative resolutions. Waiting too long can eliminate those options.

Technical Defenses

Criminal defense attorneys skilled in traffic cases know the technical defenses that can be key in cases of aggravated driving. These defenses might include challenges to the speed detection devices, police procedures, or road signage and marking.

Adding the Human Element

While technical defenses and legal strategy are important, criminal defense attorneys focused in traffic cases also know the human factor. They know how to present their clients as people, not just case numbers. For instance, your attorney might help write a statement of remorse and understanding of the consequences.

Court Procedures – Getting Through the Legal Process

Court procedures in aggravated driving cases can be stressful for someone trying to handle their own defense. Criminal defense attorneys guide their clients through the entire process – from arraignment to final disposition. They file all the required documents, meet deadlines, and follow procedures correctly.

The Resolution Process

Resolving aggravated driving cases involves in-depth negotiations between defense attorneys and prosecutors. Experienced attorneys know how to present mitigating factors and negotiate good plea agreements when possible. They also know when to go to trial if the circumstances warrant it.

Long-Term Considerations

Professional representation in aggravated driving cases goes beyond the immediate resolution. You also have to consider the long-term implications.

Criminal defense attorneys help clients understand how different outcomes will affect their future and, therefore, will work to minimize the negative consequences.

It might include strategies for sealing or expunging the record where possible.

Contact an Aggravated Driving Defense Lawyer Today

By handling these cases well, criminal defense attorneys serve their clients, the public, and the justice system. Make sure you have reliable legal representation. Contact an aggravated driving defense lawyer today.

Get a Free Consultation

Every driving offense case is different, so for specific questions, please feel free to contact me directly at 713-222-2828. You can also contact me about your case by filling in the following information. The first consultation is always free.