When Are Illinois Traffic Violations Serious?

 Posted on February 23, 2024 in Criminal Defense

Traffic tickets and violations are a common occurrence, and receiving a ticket for speeding or failing to stop at a stop sign may seem like no big deal. However, letting traffic tickets and violations add up or committing more serious traffic violations in Illinois can lead to serious consequences, such as costly fines, loss of a driver’s license,and even jail time. An Illinois traffic violation defense attorney can help you fight your tickets and reduce penalties when possible.

What Are the Penalties for Illinois Traffic Violations?

The penalties for Illinois traffic violations vary depending on the type of violation committed and certain factors surrounding the traffic violation, such as being in a school zone when the violation occurred or driving recklessly.

Traffic violations become serious when they are classified as misdemeanors or felonies, or when repeated offenses are made. The penalties for Illinois traffic violations include the following:

• Minor traffic violations, such as disobeying a stop sign or not using lanes properly, may result in fees ranging from $1 to $1,000, depending on the offense

• Class B misdemeanor traffic violations, such as speeding that is between 26 and 35 MPH over the limit, carry fees of up to $1,500 in fines, six months in jail, and up to two years of probation time

• Class A misdemeanor traffic violations, such as DUI or reckless driving, carry fines up to $2,500 and up to a year of jail time

• Felony traffic violations in Illinois include hit and runs, repeated DUIs, and vehicular homicide or manslaughter; jail time ranges from one year to up to 30 years for Class X felonies (the most serious kind) and fines range up to $25,000

Keep in mind you may also be liable for court fees in any of these traffic violations, and your driver's license may be at risk of suspension or revocation for some serious misdemeanor or felony charges.

If your traffic ticket indicates you need to appear in court or you have concerns about your situation, you should contact an experienced traffic violation attorney as soon as possible.

Should I Fight a Traffic Violation in Illinois?

It can be helpful to fight any traffic violation ticket received in Illinois, as traffic violations add up and create serious problems for your driving record. In Illinois, the Secretary of State may suspend your driver’s license after a certain number of traffic violations, or if you refuse to pay your ticket fees.

Fighting a traffic violation can help prevent them from adding up on your driving record, reduce your risk of license suspension, and help to keep your vehicle insurance cost low, as multiple issues on a driving record can greatly increase your rates.

Contact a Will County, IL Traffic Violation Defense Attorney

If you or a loved one has received an expensive traffic ticket or violation with serious consequences, a Joliet, IL traffic violation defense lawyer who is willing to fight is essential to helping you defend yourself. With the assistance of an experienced attorney, you may be able to beat the charges against you and work to reduce any penalties associated with traffic violations.

Call McNamara Phelan McSteen, LLC at 815-727-0100 for a free consultation.