Attorney Protecting Clients Charged with Traffic Violations in Bedford Park, Orland Park, and Across Northern Illinois
Initially, a traffic violation might seem like a minor issue. However, there are many types of infractions that can lead to serious consequences. In fact, some moving violations could result in a loss of driving privileges, hefty fines, and even jail time in some situations. At Fotopoulos Law Office, we will fight aggressively to protect you from such penalties. No matter your situation, we will work diligently and proactively in your case. Experience the difference that a dedicated attorney can make in your situation. Contact our office and ask for assistance with your traffic violation charges today.
DUI Consequences in Illinois
Drivers arrested for driving under the influence often underestimate just how serious the consequences of a DUI in Illinois can be. In fact, many first-time offenders never take steps to fight their charge, and they may learn – all too late – that their driving privileges have been suspended for an entire year or more. Subsequent offenders will often fare even worse, since those who are considered repeat DUI offenders may be subject to harsher penalties based on the perception that they are a risk to public safety. Many people simply do not realize that they can fight DUI charges. Instead, they simply accept the consequences of a conviction, which can significantly impact their lives. Do not make this mistake.
Our attorney will fight to protect your future. We can aggressively represent you against the following:
Other Moving Violations With Serious Consequences in Illinois
Even a seemingly minor traffic violation can cast a long shadow over your driving record, leading to an unwelcome spike in insurance rates. However, the stakes escalate dramatically when it comes to more severe moving violations in Illinois. These offenses don’t just affect your wallet; they can directly jeopardize your driving privileges, employment, and even your freedom. The state of Illinois takes a stern approach to these infractions, with penalties ranging from substantial fines and mandatory community service to lengthy license suspensions, revocations, and even significant jail time, culminating in a criminal record.
Understanding the potential ramifications of serious moving violations is important for any driver in Illinois. The Illinois Secretary of State employs a point system for drivers aged 21 and over, where accumulating three moving violation convictions within a 12-month period can trigger a license suspension.
For drivers under 21, the rules are even stricter: just two moving violations within a 24-month period can lead to suspension. Beyond the accumulation of points, certain individual offenses are so severe that they can result in immediate, automatic suspension or even revocation of your driving privileges, regardless of your prior record.
Here’s a detailed look at some of the other moving violations in Illinois that carry particularly serious consequences, beyond the typical speeding ticket:
Reckless Driving: This is far more than just aggressive driving. Reckless driving in Illinois is generally classified as a Class A misdemeanor, carrying potential penalties of up to one year in jail and/or a maximum fine of $2,500. This charge can be levied when a driver operates a vehicle with a “willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.” A conviction for reckless driving can lead to a significant number of points on your driving record and contribute to license suspension. If reckless driving leads to injury or death, it can even be elevated to a felony.
Drag Racing (Street Racing): Engaging in a speed contest on a public roadway is a serious criminal offense in Illinois, classified as a Class A misdemeanor. A conviction can result in up to one year in county jail and a fine of up to $2,500. Even more critically, a conviction for drag racing revokes your driver’s license. Unlike a suspension, a revocation is an indefinite termination of driving privileges, requiring a lengthy and often challenging administrative hearing with the Illinois Secretary of State for any hope of reinstatement. If drag racing leads to great bodily harm, permanent disability, or disfigurement, it can become a Class 4 felony with potential prison sentences.
Driving Without Valid Insurance: While it may seem like a bureaucratic oversight, operating a vehicle without proper insurance in Illinois is a significant offense. For a first offense, you face a fine of $500 to $1,000, and your driver’s license and vehicle registration can be suspended for up to three months. Subsequent offenses carry escalating penalties, including higher fines, longer suspensions (four months for a second offense), and even a mandatory requirement to file an SR-22 certificate, which significantly increases insurance premiums. If you are involved in an accident while uninsured, especially if you cause bodily harm, the financial and legal repercussions can be severe, including substantial fines and potential civil lawsuits.
Driving During License Suspension or Revocation: This offense demonstrates a blatant disregard for traffic laws and court orders, and as such, it carries extremely severe penalties. Driving on a suspended or revoked license is typically a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a $2,500 fine. However, the penalties increase dramatically if the original suspension or revocation was for a serious offense like a DUI. A first conviction for driving on a suspended or revoked license due to DUI carries a mandatory minimum of 10 days in jail or 240 hours of community service. Subsequent offenses, especially those related to DUI or reckless homicide, can be elevated to Class 4 felonies, leading to prison sentences of one to three years and fines up to $25,000. Furthermore, a conviction for this offense will extend the duration of your original suspension or revocation.
Leaving the Scene of an Accident (Hit and Run): Illinois law mandates that drivers involved in an accident stop and exchange information. Failing to do so can lead to serious charges. If the accident involves only property damage, leaving the scene is generally a Class A misdemeanor, carrying up to one year in jail and fines up to $2,500, along with license suspension. However, if the accident results in personal injury or death, leaving the scene becomes a felony offense. For injuries, it’s a Class 4 felony (1-3 years in prison, up to $25,000 fine), and for death, it’s a Class 2 felony (3-7 years in prison, up to $25,000 fine). Convictions also frequently lead to driver’s license revocation.
Refusing to Submit to Chemical Testing Following a DUI Arrest: In Illinois, by obtaining a driver’s license, you implicitly consent to chemical testing if suspected of driving under the influence (DUI). Refusing such a test carries immediate and significant consequences, even if you are not ultimately convicted of DUI. For a first refusal, your license will be summarily suspended for one year. A second or subsequent refusal within five years results in a three-year suspension. These administrative suspensions are separate from any penalties for a DUI conviction itself, and they can significantly complicate your ability to regain driving privileges.
Multiple Traffic Violations Within a 12-24 Month Period: As mentioned, Illinois utilizes a point system. For drivers 21 and over, three moving violations within 12 months trigger a suspension, with the length of suspension dependent on the total points accumulated. For drivers under 21, a suspension can occur with just two moving violations within a 24-month period. These suspensions can range from a few months to a year or more, and consistent accumulation of points can even lead to revocation.
Failure to Yield to an Emergency Vehicle (Scott’s Law Violation): This law, often referred to as “Move Over” law, requires drivers to slow down and change lanes when approaching a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights. Failure to yield to an approaching emergency vehicle is a moving violation. However, violations of Scott’s Law when approaching a stopped emergency vehicle are much more severe. A first offense carries a minimum fine of $250, and if it results in damage to another vehicle, it becomes a Class A misdemeanor with up to one year in jail. If a violation causes injury or death, it’s a Class 4 felony, leading to prison sentences of three to five years, and mandatory license suspension.
Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Police Officer: This offense occurs when a driver willfully disregards a lawful signal from a peace officer to stop their vehicle. A first-time offense is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and fines up to $2,500. However, if the act of fleeing involves additional traffic violations (like reckless driving or running red lights) or results in bodily harm or property damage, the charge can be elevated to a felony, with potential prison time.
Failure to Obey a Railroad Crossing Signal: Ignoring railroad crossing signals or attempting to drive around closed gates is extremely dangerous and carries hefty penalties. A first violation results in a minimum fine of $500, and subsequent violations incur a minimum fine of $1,000, along with a potential six-month driver’s license suspension. If a driver enters a crossing without sufficient space on the other side to clear the tracks, even if the signal indicates to proceed, it can lead to a one-month license suspension for a first offense.
Speeding Within a Construction Zone or School Zone: These zones are designated for enhanced safety due to vulnerable populations (workers or children). Speeding in a construction zone carries a minimum fine of $250 for a first offense and $750 for a second. More critically, if speeding in a work zone leads to hitting a worker, the penalties can escalate dramatically, including fines up to $25,000 and up to 14 years in jail. School zone speeding also carries increased fines and can contribute to license suspension more quickly.
Displaying or Using a License That Is Not Your Own (Fraudulent Use of ID/License): Using a fake ID or someone else’s driver’s license for any purpose is a serious offense in Illinois. It can result in a Class A misdemeanor or even a Class 2, 3, or 4 felony charge, depending on the specifics of the fraudulent activity and any prior violations. Penalties include a minimum fine of $500 or 50 hours of community service, potentially much higher fines, and jail time. The Illinois Secretary of State will suspend your license for at least 12 months, or revoke it, for such violations. This can have long-lasting negative impacts on your driving privileges and overall criminal record.
The consequences of these serious moving violations extend beyond immediate fines and potential jail time. They can lead to significantly increased insurance premiums for years to come, make it difficult to find or maintain employment (especially for those whose jobs require driving), and create a lasting criminal record that can affect future opportunities.
If you find yourself accused of any of these serious traffic offenses in Illinois, it is imperative to seek skilled legal assistance. An experienced attorney can help you understand the charges, explore potential defenses, and work towards mitigating the impact on your life, protecting your driving privileges, and preserving your future. Do not let a traffic offense take over your life; consult with a knowledgeable attorney for expert guidance and representation.
Contact Our Orland Park Traffic Ticket Attorney
No matter how bleak your situation may appear, Fotopoulos Law Office will proactively fight for the most favorable outcome possible in your case. We will aggressively protect your rights, skillfully represent you, and provide your case with the dedicated, personalized defense it deserves. To schedule your initial consultation, contact us at 708-942-8400 today. Our law firm serves clients in Orland Park, Joliet, Tinley Park, Oak Lawn, Mokena, Homer Glen, Burbank, Palos Heights, Bedford Park, Will County, and the surrounding areas.
