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Even cautious or skilled drivers may find themselves involved in occasional traffic violations. Driving conditions can be unpredictable, with factors such as the following posing challenges:
Reckless drivers
Adverse weather
Poor visibility
A traffic ticket can lead to license suspension or restrictions on your driving record. Usually, people pay the fine and move on with their daily obligations. However, accepting fines for traffic violations implies an admission of guilt. This admission can bring adverse effects, like increased insurance rates.
If you’re charged with a traffic offense, you do not have to accept it passively. Irrespective of your circumstances, you possess rights that deserve protection. Consider enlisting the services of a seasoned traffic violations defense lawyer to safeguard your driving record from unwarranted citations.
Read on to understand how a trusted attorney can be of assistance in your case.
Most traffic tickets are given for moving violations. You may be wondering, “What is a moving violation?“ Common types of moving violations in Illinois include the following:
Reckless Driving: This offense involves intentionally disregarding others’ safety while driving. It includes posing a significant driving risk to fellow motorists, pedestrians, or property.
Speeding: Speeding tickets are a citation issued to drivers exceeding the prescribed speed limit. Overspeeding is considered unsafe for the given road and traffic conditions. Consider checking out our article on speeding tickets vs. moving violations to learn more about the two concepts in detail.
Improper Lane Usage: Drivers get these tickets when they fail to maintain their designated lane, cross solid lines, do not use turn indicators when switching lanes, etc.
Driving Under the Influence. Drivers above 21 with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) above the legal limit of 0.08% receive DUI tickets.
Failure to Yield. Failure to yield is when a driver fails to give the right-of-way to other vehicles or pedestrians.
Red Light and Stop Sign Violations. Drivers receive these tickets when they do not halt at stop signs or red traffic lights.
Driving With a Suspended License. Drivers caught driving with a revoked or suspended driver’s license receive this ticket.
Cell Phone and Texting Violations. Drivers caught texting while driving receive this ticket.
Non-moving violations are minor traffic violations that do not pose an immediate risk of harm to other drivers and pedestrians. Because of this, the penalties for non-moving violations are typically less severe than those for moving violations.
Examples of non-moving violations in Illinois include:
Parking violations, such as parking in front of a fire hydrant
Expired vehicle registration
Faulty equipment violations
Broken tail lights
Penalties for traffic violations range from fines to imprisonment. Some violations can get your driver’s license revoked or suspended. Felony traffic offenses resulting in death usually require a criminal court hearing. The judge may impose the following:
Fines (Payment deadlines for traffic ticket fines and fees are set during sentencing)
Court costs
Mandatory traffic school attendance
Supervision orders
Probation
Community service
Jail/prison time for a guilty verdict
You can do one of the following when you receive a traffic ticket:
Plead guilty and pay the fine.
Plead guilty and request an order of supervision.
Plead not guilty and insist on a trial.
The points added to your license by the Illinois Secretary of State depend on the traffic violation’s severity. Examples include the following:
10 points for screeching tires
15 points for failing to yield to authorized emergency vehicles
20 points for speeding in a school zone, improper passing, or ignoring a traffic signal
25 points for driving with liquor in the passenger area
50 points for exceeding the speed limit by 25 mph
55 points for reckless driving
An Illinois traffic lawyer provides legal representation to people facing traffic charges. Their role is to advocate for clients and handle the legal intricacies presented by each case. Here is a list of some responsibilities undertaken by a traffic lawyer in Illinois:
Provision of Legal Consultation: A traffic lawyer can provide legal consultations to evaluate a client’s case. They then provide legal advice based on the facts and circumstances of the case. They can also explain the laws and regulations related to the traffic violation.
Development of a Defense Strategy: Traffic lawyers can create a defense strategy specific to their client’s case. This strategy could consist of:
Challenging the prosecution’s evidence
Questioning the traffic stop’s legality
Negotiating for minimized charges or penalties
Participating in Negotiations and Court Representation. A traffic lawyer can negotiate with the prosecutor to reach a plea bargain. The traffic lawyer can also represent the client during all court proceedings.
Preventing License Suspension and Revocation. A traffic lawyer can challenge your license suspension and revocation. They can also advocate for the client’s driving privileges. This is especially important for individuals who rely on their licenses for work.
Reducing Penalties. A traffic lawyer can try to reduce the penalties associated with a ticket, such as fines, points, and insurance rate increases.
Don’t face traffic ticket charges alone. Take action and consider speaking to an experienced Illinois traffic lawyer. Traffic ticket lawyers from the Hirsch Law Offices can help you fight a traffic ticket in Illinois by:
Reviewing the Illinois traffic ticket/speeding ticket
Gathering evidence
Providing guidance and improving your chances of success
Hiring a traffic attorney can offer long-term financial savings. These traffic attorneys can help you avoid fines, prevent adding points to your driving record (which could increase insurance premiums), and avoid license suspensions.
Benefit from our knowledge of traffic laws in Illinois. Consider scheduling a consultation with us today!
Minor traffic violations rarely result in license suspensions. However, if the offender consistently commits them, their license could be suspended. More serious Illinois traffic offenses can lead to losing driving privileges, even for first-time offenders.
The cost of a traffic lawyer in Illinois varies based on factors such as the following:
The case’s complexity
The lawyer’s experience
Location
To get a traffic violation off your record in Illinois, you could explore options like attending traffic school or hiring a lawyer to file for an expungement.
Missing a traffic court date can lead to severe consequences, including a potential warrant for your arrest, additional fines, and the suspension of your driver’s license. If you miss your court date, it’s crucial to take immediate action. Contact the court as soon as possible to explain the reason for your absence and inquire about rescheduling.
