Vehicular endangerment is a serious charge in Arizona, and many clients contact us unsure whether this charge will affect their driving record and freedom. These cases often stem from speeding, aggressive driving, or near-collision situations where an officer believes someone was put at risk, even if no accident occurred.
Pajerski Law is led by Attorney Chad Pajerski, who is an experienced attorney specializing in vehicular endangerment cases. When you work with our law office, we review how the incident was observed, what the officer documented, and whether the driving behavior truly met the legal standard for endangerment. Small details about traffic conditions, speed estimates, and witness statements can make a significant difference in the outcome.
If you or a loved one has been charged with vehicular endangerment in Phoenix, call Pajerski Law for a free initial consultation to help protect your rights.
Arizona defines vehicular endangerment as driving in a way that puts another person at substantial risk of imminent death or serious physical injury. The charge falls under Arizona Revised Statutes 13-1201 and can be filed as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the level of danger involved. Arizona vehicular crimes include a range of offenses such as reckless driving, DUI, and hit-and-run, and vehicular endangerment is a serious crime within this category.
In our experience, officers often claim endangerment when they believe a driver’s speed, lane changes, or aggressive maneuvers created an immediate risk to others on the road. In Phoenix, Arizona, this charge is frequently added even when there is no accident, no injuries, and no property damage.
Vehicular endangerment is treated as a felony charge when the state believes the driving created a substantial risk of serious physical injury or death. In Arizona, this means vehicular endangerment can be classified among felonies, which are serious criminal offenses with severe consequences.
Examples may include:
Certain driving behaviors, such as aggravated assault or reckless driving, may also be prosecuted as a dangerous offense under Arizona law, leading to mandatory prison sentences and heightened legal consequences.
Because felony charges carry far more severe penalties, we look closely at whether the officer’s assessment of danger is consistent with the actual facts.
Vehicular Endangerment may be filed as a misdemeanor if the driving created a risk of injury but did not reach the level of substantial danger. Under Arizona law, some vehicular offenses are classified as misdemeanors, which are considered less serious crimes but can still result in penalties such as fines and probation.
These cases often involve:
We regularly challenge whether the behavior truly meets the legal definition required for a criminal offense.
Understanding how Arizona views “risk” is important because the entire case often depends on how the officer interprets the situation. Many cases involve assumptions or estimates that can be questioned and weakened.
Vehicular endangerment charges often come from driving behavior that an officer interprets as putting someone at immediate risk of harm. These actions are frequently classified as traffic offenses and may be considered recklessly endangering under Arizona law.
At Pajerski Law, we've seen many cases filed even when there was no accident, no injuries, and no property damage. These charges usually depend heavily on how the officer viewed the situation in the moment. Here are some common situations that can lead to vehicular endangerment charges:
Driving at excessive speeds, especially in traffic or near other vehicles, is one of the most common triggers for this charge. We frequently see felony charges filed when officers believe the speed created a substantial risk to nearby drivers or pedestrians.
Rapid lane changes, weaving through traffic, or cutting off another vehicle can lead to endangerment accusations. Body camera footage often shows conditions that did not match the officer’s assessment of danger.
Officers may file endangerment charges when they believe a driver almost caused a crash, even if there was no actual contact. If accident results such as injury or death occur, even unintentionally, this can lead to more serious charges and severe legal consequences. These cases often rely on assumptions and estimates rather than clear evidence.
Speeding or aggressive maneuvers in school zones, neighborhoods, or shopping areas can lead to felony charges because of the perceived risk to pedestrians or children.
Endangerment is often added when a case also includes additional crimes, such as:
We regularly challenge whether the driving behavior truly meets the legal standard for criminal endangerment. An effective vehicular crimes defense is essential when endangerment is added to other charges.
Arizona punishes vehicular endangerment based on the amount of danger the driver created. In our experience, the most significant factor is whether the officer claims there was a substantial risk of serious physical injury, which determines if the charge is a felony or a misdemeanor. A conviction can result in significant prison time or jail time, depending on the severity of the offense.
The possible sentence may range from probation to lengthy incarceration, and the potential consequences of a conviction include a permanent criminal record, loss of driving privileges, and substantial fines. Here is a breakdown of the potential penalties and consequences for vehicular endangerment crimes in Arizona:
This applies when the state believes the driving created a substantial risk of serious injury or death. Penalties include:
We frequently challenge whether the state can prove substantial risk, which often leads to a reduction to a misdemeanor.
Used when the driving created a lesser risk. Penalties include:
Even a misdemeanor conviction affects insurance rates, background checks, and driving status.
Vehicular endangerment itself does not automatically suspend a driver’s license. However, license consequences often appear when the charge is filed alongside:
We review these issues early to prevent unnecessary license consequences, because they can increase penalties and affect MVD decisions.
The difference between a misdemeanor and felony endangerment often depends on small details, such as traffic conditions, speed estimates, witness statements, and whether anyone was nearby. Because these cases rely heavily on the officer’s interpretation, they frequently leave room for negotiation and strong defense strategies.
Attorney Chad Pajerski is one of the select few Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialists, ensuring a higher standard and commitement. Having a specialized attorney who understands how Arizona prosecutors handle vehicular endangerment cases can make a significant difference in the outcome. It is crucial to have an experienced lawyer who can provide a strong criminal defense in these complex situations.
Many clients come to us unsure whether they are facing a misdemeanor or a felony, or whether the state’s interpretation of danger is accurate. Our role at Pajerski Law is to challenge those assumptions and protect every part of the case that matters. A specialized vehicular crime defense can further improve your chances for a favorable result.
We examine the police report, body camera footage, dash camera video, and speed documentation to identify inconsistencies. Many endangerment charges rely on the officer’s subjective assessment, which often gives us room to argue for reduced charges.
We evaluate whether the driving actually created the level of risk required under Arizona law. In many cases, the state must prove 'criminal negligence'—meaning the driver failed to perceive a substantial and unjustifiable risk—to secure a conviction for vehicular endangerment. If the evidence does not meet that standard, we push for a dismissal or a reduction to a lesser offense like improper driving or a civil violation.
In Maricopa County, these cases frequently resolve through negotiations.
We use legal issues, mitigation, and video evidence to seek outcomes such as:
We also address related charges, such as reckless driving or criminal speeding, that may affect license status. Acting early helps us prevent unnecessary MVD consequences.
If the case cannot be resolved through negotiations, we prepare a full trial defense. This includes challenging speed measurements, officer testimony, and the state’s interpretation of risk.
It can be either. Most cases are charged as a Class 1 misdemeanor. It becomes a Class 6 felony if the state believes your driving created a substantial risk of serious injury or death.
Yes. An accident is not required. Many cases involve speeding or unsafe maneuvers where the officer believed others were put at risk, even if no one was hurt.
Reckless driving focuses on unsafe behavior. Vehicular endangerment focuses on the level of danger. If the state claims there was a high risk of serious harm, they may file endangerment instead of reckless driving.
Yes. These cases often involve judgment calls by the officer. By challenging speed estimates, video, and road conditions, many cases can be reduced to a lesser offense or dismissed.
A conviction can raise insurance costs and appear on your driving record. The impact is usually lower if the charge is reduced. License consequences depend on whether other charges, such as DUI or criminal speeding, are involved.
If you are facing a vehicular endangerment charge in Phoenix, the right defense strategy can make a meaningful difference. These cases often depend on speed estimates, officer interpretation, and video evidence, which gives us many opportunities to challenge the allegations.
At Pajerski Law, you work directly with Attorney Chad Pajerski, a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist with more than 25 years of experience defending clients in complex vehicular endangerment cases. We review the evidence, identify the strongest defenses, and focus on reducing or dismissing the charges whenever possible. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn how we can protect your rights and help you move forward.
Most free consultations last 30 minutes, providing sufficient time to discuss your case details, review evidence, and explore legal options. More complex felony cases may require longer consultations to adequately assess all factors involved.
Yes, bring all legal documents including police reports, arrest records, court papers, citations, and any bail documentation. Also prepare a written timeline of events and a list of questions about your case and the attorney’s experience.
Yes, you have the right to consult with private attorneys even if you have a public defender assigned to your case. However, you’ll need to formally substitute counsel through the court if you decide to hire private representation.
Yes, attorney-client privilege protects all communications during your consultation, even if you don’t hire the lawyer afterward. This confidentiality allows you to speak freely about your case without fear that your statements will be used against you.
Most people benefit from consulting with 2-3 attorneys to compare experience, strategies, and fees before making a decision. This allows you to make an informed choice about who will best represent your interests.
Discuss payment plans, financing options, or reduced fee arrangements based on your financial situation during the consultation. Many attorneys are willing to work with clients facing financial hardship, especially when serious charges are involved.
.webp)
