Traffic Violations in Illinois Require Prompt Legal Response
Bridgeview traffic attorneys work to minimize penalties and protect your driving record
For many Americans, driving is a necessity in everyday life, essential to work, shopping, keeping appointments, attending meetings and events or getting healthcare and other services. But driving is a privilege that the state can suspend or revoke if you repeatedly violate traffic laws. Skinner Law Firm, P.C. is available to provide experienced, effective representation against traffic violation charges and can take steps to reduce the potential negative impact of convictions.
Knowledgeable advocates advise on consequences of traffic violations
There are a large number of ways in which you can violate the Illinois traffic laws. Convictions can result not only in fines but also in assessment of a certain number of points on your driving record. If you have three or more convictions for traffic violations within a 24-month period (or two offenses within 24 months if you are under 21) and continue to accumulate points thereafter, your license may be suspended. Here is a representative sampling of traffic violations and their consequences under Illinois’ point system:
- Speeding — Five to 55 points, depending on the circumstances
- Excessive speed for conditions — 10 points
- Reckless driving — 55 points
- Disregarding a traffic light or signal — 20 points
- Following too closely — 25 points
- Improper passing or traffic lane usage — 20 points
- Texting or using a handheld phone while driving a commercial vehicle — 20 points
- Failure to stop for a school bus receiving or discharging children — 25 points
- Driving under the influence — immediate suspension
- Operating a vehicle without a valid license or permit — immediate suspension
- Driving with a fraudulent driver’s license — immediate suspension
A mere 10 points may result in a suspension, once you have accumulated enough points from prior convictions. Also, offenses that result in immediate suspension do so regardless of whether you have a clean record.
If you are charged with any traffic violations, you can trust us to stand with you, counsel you on your options and, if appropriate, contest the charges against you in court.
Why you should not plead guilty to traffic violations by mail
When you receive a ticket, you have the option of pleading guilty by mail. However, there are several reasons why that is inadvisable:
- You must pay a fine
- In Cook County, pleading guilty by mail will result in a conviction for the charged offense
- Enough convictions will result in points being assessed against your record
- Even one conviction will likely result in an increase in your insurance premiums
Before pleading guilty, you should consult with an experienced traffic violations attorney. If you retain our services, we will counsel you about your options and, if appropriate, present a criminal defense to the charges or negotiate a favorable plea bargain. We may be able to save your driving record, pocketbook and your driver’s license itself from the consequences of the ticket.
Contact a dedicated Illinois traffic violations lawyer for a free initial consultation
If you are charged with any traffic violation, Skinner Law Firm, P.C. can provide the effective representation you need. We have been defending clients throughout the Cook County area for 20 years and we are ready to put that experience to work for you. Please call 312-635-6459 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation at our Bridgeview office.
