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Society requires rules for it to function. In a world in which most of us regularly use our vehicles to get around, there is a need for rules of the road. Sometimes, we find these to be highly inconvenient. Sometimes, even the most cautious of us inadvertently break these rules. And sometimes, we get caught doing so.
You can admit guilt and pay the fine if you have received a traffic ticket. This is often the quickest way to rid yourself of the problem. Before you do that, consider your medium and long-term consequences.
By admitting guilt, you face the following consequences:
In Illinois, you have the right to defend yourself against all traffic ticket violations. Minor traffic ticket violations may not even require your court appearance. A traffic lawyer can attend and let you know about the outcome later.
It is always a good idea to consult Chicago traffic ticket lawyers before deciding if you have received a traffic ticket. Your decision will depend on the severity of the ticket and the possible consequences. You may also want to speak with the court directly to discuss your options.
Ticketing is the process of issuing tickets to drivers and other road users for allegedly breaking state traffic laws and committing traffic offenses. Usually, they are issued by a policeman, but sometimes they are also computer generated.
The ticket will describe the offense and the related ordinance allegedly contravened. The ticket will indicate whether you need to appear in court or not. If you are not required to appear in court, you can admit guilt and pay the fine.
You are required to sign the ticket. Signing, however, does not constitute an admission of guilt. Individuals may face other charges for refusing to sign traffic tickets.
Even though arrests are usually reserved for DUIs, it is also important to be aware of the possibility of being arrested if a police officer pulls you over for a traffic offense. Regardless of the reason for being pulled over, it is important to maintain a respectful demeanor. You are not obliged to answer any questions without a lawyer present.
An experienced Chicago traffic ticket lawyer from the Hirsch Law Group can help protect your driving record and prevent long-term consequences. They have experience with traffic laws and can navigate the legal system on your behalf. Here are some reasons why hiring a traffic ticket attorney is important:
If you accumulate too many points on your driving record, you risk having your license suspended or revoked. This means that you cannot legally drive for an extended period of time, which can greatly disrupt your daily life. A traffic lawyer can work to reduce the amount of points on your record or possibly have the violation dismissed altogether, protecting your ability to drive.
Traffic tickets often come with hefty fines and additional fees. If you are found guilty of a traffic violation, you will be required to pay these costs, which can add up quickly over time. An experienced traffic ticket lawyer can work to reduce or eliminate these fines, saving you money in the long run.
As mentioned before, receiving a traffic ticket can lead to increased insurance rates. This can make driving significantly more expensive for you over time. A traffic lawyer may be able to negotiate with your insurance company on your behalf to prevent these premium increases.
There are many traffic violations on the books. The Hirsch Law Group has defended thousands of clients. Our Chicago traffic ticket attorney has crafted a criminal defense for the following:
Illinois law enforcement data shows that certain traffic violations occur more frequently than others. Speeding and running red lights are among most common traffic violations.
Speeding violations are tiered in Illinois based on mph over the limit:
When it comes to running red lights, there are more than 30,000 citations for this traffic offense issued annually in Chicago. First offenses typically result in a $100 fine, while subsequent violations within a year can reach $500.
Distracted driving citations, particularly involving cell phone use, are also common. Penalties for these violations start at $75 for first offenses but can escalate to $150 for repeat offenders, with mandatory court appearances after three violations.
DUI offenses carry particularly severe consequences. First-time offenders face:
Illinois employs a point system where accumulating 15 points within 12 months triggers automatic license suspension. Understanding these consequences is crucial for maintaining driving privileges and minimizing financial impact.
Traffic violations in Illinois are categorized as petty or misdemeanor offenses.
Typically, petty traffic violations are minor offenses. Examples would be failing to stop at a stop sign or running a red light. Other examples include some speeding and traffic lane change violations.
Petty offenses are punishable by a fine. No jail time is possible. Penalties range from $1 to $1,000. The court determines the amount based on the evidence.
It is possible to request court supervision for a first offense. The court may order that a fine be paid and that the accused attend Traffic Safety School. Once the accused person has complied with the supervision order, the case will be dismissed. The benefit for the accused is that there will be no conviction on their driving record.
Misdemeanors are divided into three classes:
Class A misdemeanors are more serious traffic violations.
A speeding ticket is elevated from petty to a Class A misdemeanor when the driver exceeds the posted speed limit by 35 mph or more. These are called aggravated speeding tickets.
Other typical Class A misdemeanors could include:
In Illinois, Class A misdemeanors could result in a maximum of a one-year prison sentence and a fine of up to $2,500.
Although not as severe as Class A misdemeanors, Class B is still serious.
A maximum jail sentence of 6 months is possible with a maximum fine of $1,500.
Typical examples include driving on an expired license for more than a year and driving between 26 and 35mph over the speed limit.
The least serious of the misdemeanor traffic violations, Class C misdemeanors can result in up to thirty days in prison and fines up to $1,000.
The minimum fine payable is $75.
An example would be the intentional damage or removal of a traffic sign.
Petty offenses are categorized as moving violations and equipment violations.
Moving violations pertain to the physical control of a vehicle. For example, as stated above, speeding is a moving violation. You will get a speeding ticket as a moving violation.
Convictions for moving violations are documented on your public driving record. If you are wondering, “Do whether moving violations go on your record?” Tthe answer is usually yes; moving violation convictions are entered on your public driving record.
For individuals under 21, acquiring two distinct moving violation convictions within 24 months can lead to a license suspension, typically lasting between three to twelve months.
For individuals aged 21 and older, accumulating three separate convictions for moving violations within a 12-month timeframe can result in license suspension or revocation.
Penalties for moving violations are wide-ranging and depend on the offense and the circumstances of the case.
Equipment violation examples include broken windshields, unsafe tires, non-working headlights, and taillights. Other examples include failure to wear a seat belt and improper registration.
Even repeat equipment violations do generally not result in suspension or revocation.
As mentioned earlier, it is important to maintain a respectful demeanor during any interaction with law enforcement. This is especially true if you are issued a traffic ticket or citation.
It may be tempting to refuse to sign the ticket to avoid admitting guilt. However, refusing to sign a ticket can result in immediate arrest and even an additional charge for obstructing justice.
Moreover, refusing to sign a ticket does not mean you are exempt from the penalties associated with the traffic violation.
Signing the ticket does not equate to an admission of guilt. It simply acknowledges that you have received it and understand the potential consequences. You can still contest the ticket in court if you wish to do so.
You can contest a traffic violation in court. However, seeking the guidance of a lawyer experienced in handling traffic violations is recommended to prepare an effective defense.
Possible defenses include:
It is important to note that while contesting a traffic violation can be time-consuming, it may be worth the effort to avoid points on your driving record and potential increases in insurance rates. It is crucial to weigh the potential consequences before deciding whether to contest a traffic violation.
Before you plead guilty and pay that traffic fine, consider the consequences for your future.
At Hirsch Law Group, we have a team of Illinois traffic lawyers that will help you defend against tickets and violations in a traffic court.
Our attorneys are all former prosecutors. We understand how prosecutors work. We will employ our unique experience to develop a comprehensive defense strategy for your case. We will fight aggressively on your behalf in court.
Our lawyers have years of experience defending our Chicago clients against criminal and traffic issues. We have a deep understanding of local laws and policies.
Call us today for a free initial consultation and Free Initial Meeting.
If you are facing a traffic ticket in Chicago, Illinois, before admitting guilt and paying the fine, consider contacting a Chicago traffic ticket attorney.
Our aggressive traffic ticket attorneys are committed to working with you to get the best possible outcome.
