Sooner or later, it’s going to happen to most of us. You’re going to see those flashing red and blue lights in your rear-view mirror which means you’re being stopped by a police officer for a moving violation of some kind. Rare is the driver who has not had that experience at least once, but as common as it is, traffic violations are not to be taken lightly.
Depending on the circumstances and the nature of the offense, a violation can lead to a possible court date and fine, lost time at work, a hike in your insurance rates, and in extreme cases,having your driver’s license suspended or revoked, and possibly even spending time in jail.
Three levels of traffic violations
Under the traffic laws of Illinois, there are three categories of traffic offenses: felonies, misdemeanors, and minor offenses. None of these, as we said, should be taken lightly, and potentially just about any traffic violation can become a misdemeanor or felony if it involves the destruction of property or injury to other individuals. In a worse case scenario, conviction of these more serious offenses can result in incarceration, especially for repeat offenders.
Suspension and Revocation of driving privileges
As we stated, conviction of the most serious traffic violations can lead to either suspension or revocation of your driver’s license.
Suspension
Suspension means you have temporarily lost your driving privileges. You will, however, be able to regain those privileges at the end of the suspension period, provided you have met the terms of the suspension.
Violations that can lead to a suspension include, to list a few:
· Conviction of three offenses within a 12-month period.
· Having a blood-alcohol content of .08 percent after a DUI arrest.
· Conviction of driving with cannabis, controlled drug substances, or intoxicating compounds.
· Failure to appear in court for a traffic citation.
· Being uninsured and involved in an accident where you were at fault and for which you owe damages to another person.
· Failure to pay or satisfy warrants for 10 or more unpaid parking violations.
· Using a fraudulent driver’s license or submitting a fraudulent driver’s license application.
· Committing a drug or sex crime while in control of a vehicle.
Revocation
In contrast to suspension, revocation means your driving privileges have been taken away indefinitely. Some of the offenses for which your license can be revoked in Illinois include, among others:
· Reckless driving that leads to the death of another person.
· Conviction of three reckless driving incidents within 12 months.
· Fleeing the scene of an accident in which another person was injured or killed.
· Fleeing the police and refusing to stop when directed to do so.
· Committing a felony in which a vehicle you were driving was part of the crime.
· Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Experienced traffic crimes attorneys in Rockford, IL
Being accused of a traffic violation or crime, does not mean you are guilty of that offense, and like everyone, you’re entitled to legal representation in pleading your case. If it is something no more serious than a disputed traffic ticket, we can provide you with experienced legal assistance.
However, at the law firm of Crosby & Crosby we are far more than speeding ticket lawyers in Illinois. We have experience dealing with the most serious traffic violations, and no matter your driving record, no matter the traffic offense for which you have been charged, we want to provide you with the very best legal advice and representation.
Over the years we have helped countless individuals like you, and we urge you to contact the law firm of Crosby & Crosby and give us the opportunity to put our years of legal experience to work for you.
