There is often a misconception that traffic violations are altogether unserious and do not need to be worried about. However, you may be surprised to learn that it can be a very wise decision to retain legal counsel for your traffic violation, as simply accepting the fine and paying the ticket can result in adverse consequences, such as an increase in the price of insurance premiums and a potential blemish on your driving record. Furthermore, lawyers are beneficial when it comes to navigating the legal system, which, even with traffic violations, can become pretty complex. Today, we will discuss why hiring an attorney for a traffic violation may not be as crazy an idea as it may sound. 

What a Lawyer Can Do for You and Your Traffic Violation Case

There are various ways a traffic violations defense attorney may be able to help you, including: 

Driving a car is a skill that takes practice. Consequently, young people are more likely to be involved in car accidents than older people. Statistics show that teens aged 16-19 are at the greatest risk of being involved in an accident. In fact, teen drivers are three times as likely to be involved in a fatal wreck than drivers aged 20 years or older.

If your child has recently started driving, it is crucial to understand Illinois traffic laws. Traffic violations like speeding or texting while driving not only increase the risk of an accident, they can also lead to driver’s license suspension or even criminal charges.

According to Illinois law, there are many traffic violations that are not considered criminal offenses, and as such, it is easy to view a traffic ticket as more of a nusance than a serious concern. However, there are circumstances in which the penalties for a traffic violation can be quite a bit more serious than a fine. If you have been charged with multiple traffic violations in a short time, it is a good idea to consult with an attorney to determine whether your driver’s license may be at risk, and to develop a defense strategy that may help you avoid conviction.

Driver’s License Points and Suspensions in Illinois

Illinois has a system that allows for the suspension of a driver’s license when the driver has a certain number of traffic offense convictions within a specified time period. For drivers over the age of 21, a license suspension is possible when the driver has three or more convictions within a period of 12 months. Drivers under the age of 21 are subject to more strict conditions, as they can have their license suspended if they are convicted of two or more offenses within 24 months.

If you have received a traffic ticket for failing to stop at a stop sign or speeding, you may think it is easiest to simply check the ‘guilty’ box on the back of the ticket and pay the fine. However, even if the traffic violation will not result in a conviction on your driving record, you should not immediately concede that you are guilty. There are many ways a DuPage County criminal defense lawyer can help you fight the traffic ticket, and you will realize many benefits when working with one.

Avoid High Fines and Possible Jail Time

While a traffic violation may seem like a minor offense, there are times when one could result in very high fines and possibly even jail time. For example, if you are charged with driving 26 to 34 miles per hour over the speed limit, you will face a Class B misdemeanor charge. This type of offense is punishable by a maximum of 180 days in jail and a fine up to $1,500. If you are accused of speeding more than 35 miles per hour over the speed limit, the charge is upgraded to a Class A misdemeanor. This offense is much more serious and carries a sentence of up to one year in jail and a fine of $2,500.

Speed limits are designed to keep drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users safe. Unfortunately, neither safety nor consequence may deter some drivers from speeding. For some, the risks are not relevant. For others, the means justifies the decision. In all cases, there are costs and consequences. This remains true, even if the driver is never caught driving over the speed limit. Yet those who do get caught are often the ones who stand to lose the most. The following explains.

General and Daily Consequences of Speeding