Many people treat traffic tickets like they are no big deal, believing that the only consequences of speeding, running a red light, or texting while driving is a fine. However, as any experienced traffic lawyer will tell you, traffic violations can affect more than someones finances and are one of the main reasons people come into contact with the court system.
If you were recently stopped and ticketed for violating a traffic law in an area we serve— Macoupin County, Montgomery County, Shelby County, Fayette County, Bond County, Effingham County, Madison County, and Christian County, request a consultation with our knowledgeable traffic attorneys today.
Common Illinois Traffic Violations
We have fought many different types of traffic tickets, including the following:
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol (DUI)
- Texting while driving
- Using an electronic communication device while driving
- Speeding
- Aggravated speeding (driving 26 MPH or more over the posted limit)
- Driving too fast for conditions
- Failing to reduce speed or change lanes when passing the scene of an accident or a vehicle pulled onto the shoulder of the road
- Disobeying traffic signals and traffic control devices
- Reckless driving
- Improper lane usage
- Failure to yield to emergency vehicles (aka Scott’s Law Violation)
- Driving on a suspended license or revoked licensed
- Driving without a valid license
- Driving without minimum insurance
- Failure to yield to a pedestrian
- Violation of Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) requirements
The above list is not exhaustive, but it does serve to remind drivers of the several reasons for which they may be stopped. Whether you intentionally violated a traffic law (for instance, if you were running late and thought you would not get caught) or your violation was the result of lack of awareness, you can face many different consequences.
DUI Defense
A DUI conviction can have serious consequences, like license suspension, fines, and even jail time. Consequences could extend beyond the law, leading to issues with future employment, personal relationships, and more. We understand that this is a difficult time, and we are here to help you reach a favorable outcome in your case. An experienced DUI lawyer can be your greatest asset in helping to ensure your rights are protected.
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
If you have a commercial drivers license (CDL), we can often receive a reduced charge on your behalf, such as having a speeding ticket (petty offense) reduced to an equipment violation or parking violation (non-moving violation). Court supervision is not helpful for CDL drivers because the government still sees the outcome as a conviction. There are also increased penalties in Illinois if someone with a CDL receives a citation for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, both in the commercial vehicle and their personal vehicle.
Potential Consequences of Traffic Violations
Traffic violations can result in hefty fees, jail time and community service; affect your driving record by putting points on your license, suspending or revoking your license; and increase your insurance rates. If your license becomes suspended and you are caught driving, it is a jailable offense. Also, having a suspended license will make it difficult for you to get to work or school; to pick up groceries or your children; or, ironically, to attend your court hearings.
More Impacts Than You May Think
Most people do not think twice about paying a traffic ticket and forgetting about it. However, with traffic violations, you should not just pay the fee and forget about it because that will result in a conviction. Most of the time, you will need to show up to court, which can be an all-day venture, causing you to either lose wages or use a personal day. At the end of the endeavor, you will still owe whatever the fine is (in Illinois, it ranges from as low as $120 to as much as $2,500), plus court costs.
Increased Insurance Premiums
The financial troubles do not end with just fines and court costs though. After receiving a speeding ticket, the average Illinois driver sees a $124.80 increase in their annual insurance premium. This hike lasts for up to five years, which means that a single speeding ticket can cost much more than $120 and a day of missed wages—it can cost more than $620 in insurance premiums alone.
Traffic School
There are additional inconveniences that may impact you as well. Depending on your offense and age, you may have to attend traffic safety school, which typically requires four to six hours of your life. You will also have to pay the fee for the class, which is not a lot, but on top of the fine, court costs, and increased insurance rates, it can add insult to injury.
Why Hire A Traffic Attorney?
In most counties, for petty traffic offenses our traffic lawyer can handle the matter outside of court for you, so you do not have to miss work for court. We will use our knowledge of traffic and criminal law in your defense to secure either a reduced offense, court supervision instead of a conviction, or a dismissal entirely. This can prevent you from incurring points on your driver’s license and prevent your insurance rates from going up.
Get Legal Help Today
Some drivers think it only makes sense to hire a traffic lawyer if you have received a ticket for aggravated speeding, driving on a suspended/revoked license, or driving under the influence. We disagree. If you are thinking that you don’t need to go through the expense of hiring an attorney for your ticket, make sure your ultimate decision is an informed one. Contact the Law Offices of Glenn & West, LLC to discuss your case today.
