Is 20 Over a Felony?
When it comes to speeding, many people wonder if they can get in trouble for going just a little too fast. In the United States, the answer to this question is not always straightforward. In this article, we’ll explore the complex world of speeding laws and answer the question: is 20 over a felony?
What is a Felony?
Before we dive into the specifics of speeding laws, let’s define what a felony is. A felony is a serious crime that is punishable by more than one year in prison. Felonies are typically more severe than misdemeanors, which are punishable by less than one year in prison.
Speeding Laws
Speeding laws vary from state to state, but most states have a basic structure. Here’s a breakdown of the common speeding laws:
- Speed limits: Each state sets its own speed limits, which are typically lower in urban areas and higher on highways.
- Penalties: The penalties for speeding vary depending on the state and the speed at which you were traveling. Fines, license suspension, and even imprisonment are all possible consequences.
- Speeding levels: Most states have three levels of speeding:
- Minor speeding: Going 1-15 mph over the speed limit.
- Medium speeding: Going 16-29 mph over the speed limit.
- Major speeding: Going 30 mph or more over the speed limit.
Is 20 Over a Felony?
Now that we’ve covered the basics of speeding laws, let’s get to the question at hand: is 20 over a felony? The answer is no, 20 over is not typically a felony. In most states, going 20 mph over the speed limit is considered a misdemeanor, punishable by fines and possibly license suspension.
State-by-State Breakdown
To illustrate this point, let’s take a look at the speeding laws in a few states:
| State | Speed Limit | Penalty for 20 mph over |
|---|---|---|
| California | 65-70 mph | Misdemeanor, up to $500 fine |
| Texas | 65-75 mph | Misdemeanor, up to $250 fine |
| Florida | 60-70 mph | Misdemeanor, up to $200 fine |
As you can see, in these states, going 20 mph over the speed limit is considered a misdemeanor and carries a fine, but not imprisonment.
Exceptions
While 20 over is typically not a felony, there are some exceptions. In some states, certain circumstances can elevate a speeding charge to a felony:
- Reckless driving: If you’re accused of reckless driving, which is driving with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of others, you could face felony charges.
- Repeat offenders: If you’ve been convicted of speeding multiple times, you could face felony charges for subsequent offenses.
- High-speed chases: If you engage in a high-speed chase, you could face felony charges for reckless endangerment or other serious crimes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 20 over is not typically a felony. In most states, going 20 mph over the speed limit is considered a misdemeanor, punishable by fines and possibly license suspension. However, there are exceptions, such as reckless driving, repeat offenders, and high-speed chases, which can elevate a speeding charge to a felony. It’s important to understand the speeding laws in your state and to drive safely to avoid any legal consequences.
Additional Resources
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – Speed Management
- American Automobile Association (AAA) – Speeding Laws by State
- Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) – Speeding and Traffic Safety
