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

The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act was rewritten last year and became effective January 1, 2016. Less than a year later, more changes are already on their way, intended to "clean up" the Act. 

Although not effective yet, stay tuned for the following changes: 

School is back in session! As a result, we wanted to remind you once again to watch out for those special school zone speed limits because a ticket for speeding in a school zone carries with it severe consequences.

So long as you have been properly notified by a sign or flashing signal, the speed limit in a school zone on school days is 20 miles per hour. Pay attention to the notification posted because the conditions under which the speed limit changes varies among cities, towns and villages. In some instances, the speed limit only drops to 20 mph if children are present during school hours. However, in some school zones, the speed limit is 20 mph on school days regardless of whether children are present, during the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. In some areas, the school zone speed limit only applies if a flashing light is activated. When in doubt, it is better to reduce your speed near a school to avoid being pulled over and ticketed. Police officers, prosecutors and judges take these tickets very seriously due to the risk of harm to young children. That is why you cannot receive court supervision even for a first time offense, which means unless you beat the ticket altogether, a conviction will go on your record.

Illinois Supreme Court rejects challenge to mandatory convictions for aggravated speeding in People v. Rizzo.

A Cook County judge ruled that a motorist's inability to receive court supervision for aggravated speeding (driving 26 mph or more over the speed limit) was too harsh when compared to other class A misdemeanors. Driving 26-34 mph over the speed limit is a class B misdemeanor, while driving 35 mph over the speed limit is a class A misdemeanor. The Cook County decision reasoned that the penalty for aggravated speeding was "cruel and degrading" when compared to other class A misdemeanors that allow for a court to grant supervision, such as Driving While License Revoked, Driving While License Suspended, and DUI, even when involving bodily harm or death. Nonetheless, the Illinois Supreme Court overturned the Cook County decision ruling that a driver's inability to receive court supervision for aggravated speeding does not violate the proportionate penalties clause of the Illinois Constitution. The "collateral consequences of conviction...do not qualify as part of the 'penalty' for purposes of proportionate penalty analysis." 

Attorneys Jacqueline Aldrich and Marlene Siedlarz are excited to announce their sponsorship of North Central College Athletics for the second year in a row. Jacqueline Aldrich is a North Central College Alum, having earned her Bachelor's Degree and having participated on North Central's Mock Trial team prior to attending law school at John Marshall. Jacqueline and Marlene are looking forward to another fun season and successful year of partnership with North Central College. We are also proud to offer student discounts to North Central students in need of defending DuPage County and Will County traffic tickets.