By its popular definition, felony speeding is considered to be getting pulled over and arrested for going over a certain speed – usually over 90 miles per hour. The truth of the matter is that felony speeding by that definition does not exist. A driver could technically go over 100 mph and only get slapped with a hefty fine and a traffic ticket. However, certain circumstances will ensure that you do indeed get a felony involving speeding. Here’s the truth about felony speeding.
The Misconception
Most people think that the states have laws set in place that make driving over a certain speed a felony. In reality, no state has such as specific law. The popular idea is that going over either 90 or 100 mph will get you a ticket for “felony speeding,” but that isn’t necessarily the case. Speeding alone won’t get you slapped with a felony, even though other related things easily could. So then, the next time a police officer pulls you over for speeding, ask him or her about felony speeding and they might laugh a little.
When It Can’t Happen
You can’t just get charged with felony speeding if you are driving incredibly fast because no specific speed limit is related to a felony charge. Also, driving a different type of vehicle, such as a motorcycle or ATV really fast won’t get you a felony charge either. On the other hand, attaching rockets to your vehicle will probably get you thrown in jail for creating some sort of “weaponized vehicle” – it could happen. A driver can’t be charged with felony speeding for going 100 miles per hour in a residential area, but other circumstances of the even could lead to a felony. Basically, you just have to remember that “felony speeding” isn’t really a crime – until you add in other circumstances.
When It Can Happen
It is possible to get a felony involving (but not specifically for) speeding. For starters, driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol at high speeds will always result in a DUI/DWI, reckless driving, and possibly reckless endangerment. Likewise, swerving in and out of traffic at high speeds can result in reckless driving charges. Hitting someone at a high rate of speed can result in reckless driving and vehicular manslaughter if the person dies. Of course, there are many other situations that would turn misdemeanor speeding into felony (insert crime here) “involving speeding at a high rate”.
Misdemeanor Speeding isn’t a Joke.
Well, it can be a little aggravatingly funny if you get a ticket for going two miles over the limit, but speeding a certain level over the limit can result in some problems. You usually receive an increased fine and possible jail time if you speed to far above the legal speed limit. It won’t be judged a felony, but the penalties might make you feel like a felon. Still, you have to remember that “felony speeding” isn’t actually a real charge. Accompanying circumstances, however, can upgrade that not-felony speeding to felony reckless driving, endangerment, or something else.
For more information, visit Misdemeanor and Felony Traffic Offenses.
