Most people have gotten at least one speeding ticket, but aggravated speeding is different. If you speed over 26 miles per hour on a road in Illinois and get caught, you can be accused of this crime. If you have been charged, you need to speak with our aggravade speeding lawyers in Crystal Lake.

Hirsch Law Group has defended drivers across Illinois against charges like this. We’ve helped over 10,000 people defend their cases successfully. When the unexpected happens, you need a team you can trust. Start your defense by contacing our Crystal Lake traffic ticket lawyers for a free initial meeting.

What Is Aggravated Speeding?

Aggravated speeding is going over the speed limit by 26 miles per hour or more. There is also an enhanced charge if you go 35 mph or more over the limit. Each has a different penalty.

  • 26-34 mph over the limit: Class B misdemeanor. You can spend up to six months in jail and fines up to $1,500.
  • 35 mph and over: Class A misdemeanor. You can spend up to a year in jail and fines up to $2,500.

Speeding this fast over the limit isn’t considered a moving violation like normal speeding. The are considered crimes and you will get a criminal record if you are convicted. Don’t treat this charge like a normal ticket. Instead, contact our aggravated speeding lawyers in Crystal Lake to start your defense.

What Must the Prosecution Prove?

In order for the charge to stick, the prosecution must prove to the court several factors. Our attorneys can challenge any and all of these. If there are too many disproven, the charge will fall apart. The major factors are:

  • Were you operating the vehicle at the time and location cited?
  • What was the posted speed limit for that section of road?
  • Did you exceed the limit by 26 mph or more?
  • Was the measuring device used to check your speed calibrated and accurate?
  • Was the operator of the device trained in its use?
  • If pacing (following you closely with another vehicle) was used, did the officer do this correctly?

If these are proven, then the prosecution has a strong case against you. It is our job to disprove them or show that your circumstances justified the speed.

Common Defenses to Aggravated Speeding

There are several ways your charges can be beaten. First, we can question whether the device used to check your speed was properly used and calibrate. We can also question whether the officer used the device with a clear line of sight and if any weather conditions interfered with the reading.

The same can be done with pacing. A problem with the speedometer or with GPS can throw off the reading enough to make the charge questionable. More rarely, there can be errors in the citation itself, such a identifying the wrong speed limit.

Finally, in some circumstances, an emergency may justify why you were speeding. This is unlikely unless there was a life-threatening circumstance, but it is a possible defense. Our Crystal Lake aggravated speeding lawyers can see if your case qualifies.

Other Penalties from an Aggravated Speeding Charge

In addition to the criminal penalty, there are additional penalites you may fact. For instance, you will certainly have higher insurance premiums if you are convicted. The state may also require to to get a proof of insurance form (SR-22) from your insurer. These also raise your rates significantly.

You’ll also receive points on your license. Depending on your driving history, your speeding charge may cause your license to be suspended or revoked. This can make it much more difficult to get to work, get groceries, and live your normal life.

You may also face employment consequences if your job involves driving. Companies can see people with aggravated speeding tickets as a liability and may not choose to hire you, or keep you on. Any future job requiring a clean driving record will be much harder to get.

How Hirsch Law Group Can Help You

Our law firm has represented drivers across Illinois against aggravated speeding charges. We argue for reduced charges or court supervision to avoid a criminal record, and we have no fear of representing you in court.

Our firm has former procesutors and state attorneys on staff. We know exactly what the prosecution will be looking for, and know the ways we can work to overcome their evidence. Our local attorneys know the judges, prosecutors, and courts in Crystal Lake.

When you’ve been charged with this crime, our Crystal Lake aggravated speeding lawyers are ready to take your case. You need a team that knows how to question the evidence and protect your record. Contact Hirsch Law Group today for a free initial meeting and we’ll discuss how we can help you. Our firm has bilingual lawyers in English and Spanish.