Arizona Sen. Justine Wadsack, a Tucson-area Republican, is claiming “political persecution” over a criminal speeding ticket dating from a March incident that police allege saw her driving her Tesla down Speedway at more than 70 mph.
Wadsack was pulled over on Friday, March 15, just after 10 p.m., after being observed “traveling at a high rate of speed” heading east on Speedway near North Euclid Avenue by a Tucson police officer on DUI patrol, according to a TPD report.
According to Tucson police, Wadsack was clocked going more than twice the legal limit: 71 mph in a 35 mph zone.
She told the officer she was “racing home” because the battery on her car was low.
Wadsack was not cited at the time, as her immediate introduction of herself as “Senator Justine Wadsack” resulted in the officer contacting his superiors.
Much like members of Congress, members of the Arizona Legislature cannot be arrested or sued while they are in session, under the legal concept of “legislative immunity.” Those limits are meant to keep authorities from arresting lawmakers to interfere with their ability to vote, but they can be charged once a session is over. This year, the Legislature adjourned on June 15.
Last month, Wadsack told TPD that she was refusing to meet to sign the citation, authorities said. TPD is moving ahead with charging Wadsack, with a summons filed Wednesday in Tucson City Court, and authorities expect she will be served in the case within a week.
Exceeding the posted speed limit by more than 20 mph is chargeable as a class 3 misdemeanor in Arizona, with possible punishments of up to 30 days in jail and up to a year of probation, up to a $500 fine, and three points charged against a drivers license.
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Article URL : https://azmirror.com/2024/07/22/sen-justine-wadsack-claims-political-persecution-over-tucson-criminal-speeding-ticket/