A system and method for controlling an actuator includes a control module that communicates with a plurality of switching devices to generate current through a voice coil motor during a first time period so that an actuator arm rotates in a first rotational direction in response to the current. The control module controls the switching devices to discharge the current from the voice coil motor during a second time period less than the first time period so that the first rotational direction of the actuator arm is maintained after discharging the current. The control module further includes a back electromagnetic force (bemf) module for determining a bemf voltage after controlling the switching devices to discharge the current, and an actuator arm speed control module for determining an actuator arm speed in response to the bemf voltage.