LEGAL BLOG

In Illinois, moving violations, or offenses that are committed in a moving vehicle, are taken very seriously. While many people think of speeding tickets as minor and inconsequential, they can lead to devastating consequences, such as license suspension, massive fines, and even time spent behind bars. If you have been given a traffic ticket for speeding, it is important that you seek legal representation. Avoiding the consequences of a criminal offense can be worth the cost of legal fees.

To find out how you can avoid the accumulation of moving violations, call 312-909-0706 today.

Ticket Costs and Insurance Rate Increases

Speeding ticket costs vary by county in Illinois. This is because county and city government systems control how much they charge for certain violations. Nevertheless, the typical cost of a ticket for traveling between one and 20 miles per hour over the speed limit is $120. While this may seem like a small amount, the implications of a petty offense like speeding can have devastating impacts on certain areas of your life. These consequences may only appear after you have agreed to pay your ticket

After receiving a traffic ticket, the first thing you may realize is that your insurance premium has gone up. In some cases, a moving violation can result in the cost of your insurance increasing by thousands of dollars each year. This increase will not be temporary; it can plague you for years.

License Suspension and Criminal Charges

Illinois uses a point system to track moving violations and assign penalties. When you accumulate 15 points or more as a first-time offender, you could have to face a license suspension period of two months to one year. If you are a repeat offender, racking up the same number of points can result in four to 12 months of lost driving privileges. When it comes to assigning points to your record, speeding tickets can be the fastest way to earn a suspension. Points that are assigned for this offense include:

• One to 10 miles per hour over the speed limit: 5 points
• 11 to 14 miles per hour over the speed limit: 10 points
• 15 to 25 miles per hour over the speed limit: 20 points
• More than 25 miles per hour over the speed limit: 50 points

It is also possible to have your license suspended or revoked for receiving three or more violations over a 12-month period. For adults under the age of 21, the rule is two or more over a span of two years. If you have met the requirements for having your driving privileges suspended, you may not be updated on your status until it is too late. In many cases, people are not properly notified of their suspension, and they continue to go about their business. What they may not realize is that driving on a suspended license is a Class A misdemeanor, which can lead to a $2,500 fine and up to 364 days in jail.

Fighting a Speeding Ticket in Court

It may be worth it to take your case to court if you have received a significant moving violation. If this is your third offense in a one-year period, letting it slide may result in your driving privileges being suspended for months or years. In some cases, the cost of the ticket alone can be enough to justify defending yourself against the county. For example, traveling more than 40 miles per hour over the speed limit is a misdemeanor charge that can lead to thousands of dollars in fines and months spent in jail. Even if you think your moving violation is not serious, you could still be looking at a serious payout. The maximum fine for a speeding ticket in Illinois is $1,000.

How Attorney Michael O’Meara Can Help You

Between increased insurance rates, hefty fines, and the possibility of losing your license, hiring an experienced Chicago traffic defense lawyer can be well-worth the cost. If you have been handed a ticket for a traffic violation, it is important that you act quickly. You have the ability to plead “not guilty” and fight your ticket in court, but you must make an appearance within a certain period of time.

Attorney Michael O’Meara has over 20 years of experience in helping good people resolve their legal issues. He will listen to your side of the story and fight for your rights in the court of law.

If you would like to fight your speeding ticket, call 312-909-0706 for a free consultation.