Chicago Criminal Lawyer Blog
In the state of Illinois, your driver’s license can be suspended if convicted of three moving violations. A moving violation is when a traffic law is violated by a vehicle in motion; such as speeding, drunk driving or running a red light. A qualified Chicago attorney or Chicago lawyer can help you with the specifics of your case. Unlike some other states, Illinois does not have a point system. Instead, a driver can have their driving privileges suspended or revoked if too many traffic violations occur in one year.
The following are common Illinois moving violations and possible penalties. Be sure to ask a competent Chicago attorney or Chicago lawyer for more details.
Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) and Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
If convicted of a DUI in the State of Illinois, the first offense will result in a minimum one year Illinois driver’s license suspension, possible imprisonment for up to one year, a maximum fine of $2,500 and suspension of vehicle registration. A Chicago attorney or Chicago lawyer that handles drunk driving cases can help.
If drivers under 21 are convicted of a DUI in the State of Illinois, the first offense will result in a minimum two-year Illinois driver’s license suspension, possible imprisonment for up to one year, a maximum fine of $2,500 and suspension of vehicle registration. Remedial education and retesting may be required prior to reinstatement of driving privileges for those under age 18.
Speeding
First and second speeding tickets are considered petty offenses, punishable by a fine only, of up to $1,000. Third and subsequent tickets within a year incur fines up $1,5000 and can be charged as a Class C misdemeanor. A Chicago lawyer or Chicago attorney that handles Illinois moving violations can help with charges of speeding.
Aggravated Speeding
Aggravated speeding, which is any ticket for speeding 40 MPH or more over the limit, is a Class A misdemeanor offense in Illinois and is subject to fines of up to $2,500.
Drag Racing
Drag racing is a Class A misdemeanor offense in Illinois, punishable by a sentence of up to one year in jail as well as fines up to $2,500. The Illinois Secretary of State will impose a mandatory revocation of the driving privileges of any driver who is convicted of street racing. An arrest record for a juvenile, a person 16 years or younger, for street racing is not confidential.
Reckless Driving
Driving that results in bodily harm or property damage can result in the revocation of driving privileges, fines and jail time.
Hit and Run Accidents
Causing an accident and fleeing the seen can result in the revocation of driving privileges, fines and potential jail time.
Failure to Stop for School Bus or Railroad Crossing
Failure to stop for a school bus or at a railroad crossing can result in a suspension of driving privileges, fines and potential jail time.
Red Light and Stop Light Violations
Failure to stop at a red light, stop sign, or violation of stop light procedures can result in a suspension of driving privileges, fines and potential jail time.
Traffic Accidents
Depending on the nature and severity of the accident, along with previous traffic violations, drivers can incur fines, jail time and suspension or revocation of driving privileges.
Lane Violations
Improper use of traffic lanes, driving on the shoulder, crossing lane dividers and fog lines, and similar offenses can lead to a suspension of driving privileges, fines and potential jail time.
For more details on Illinois moving violations, speak with a Chicago attorney or Chicago lawyer that deals with moving violations.