The Most Serious Traffic Violations in Illinois

 Posted on October 17, 2024 in Traffic Violations

Traffic violations can range from minor infractions, like rolling through a stop sign, to serious offenses that carry heavy penalties. In Illinois, particularly in places like Rolling Meadows, some traffic violations are treated as criminal offenses.

These serious violations can lead to hefty fines, license suspension, and even jail time. If you are facing charges for a major traffic violation, understanding the laws and penalties can help you take the right steps to defend yourself, and our Illinois traffic ticket defense attorney can help.

DUI (Driving Under the Influence)

One of the most serious traffic violations in Illinois is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Under Illinois law, a driver is considered to be under the influence if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08 percent or higher. If convicted, the penalties for a DUI can include:

First Offense: Up to one year in jail, fines up to $2,500, and a license suspension for up to one year.

Second Offense: Mandatory minimum of 5 days in jail or 240 hours of community service, fines up to $2,500, and a five-year license suspension.

Third Offense (Aggravated DUI): Considered a Class 2 felony, punishable by up to seven years in prison, up to $25,000 in fines, and a minimum 10-year license suspension.

The consequences for DUI become even more severe if there are aggravating factors, such as having a child in the car, causing an accident that results in injury or death, or having multiple previous DUI convictions.

Reckless Driving

Reckless driving is defined in Illinois as driving with a willful disregard for the safety of others. This includes actions like excessive speeding, street racing, or aggressive driving behaviors that put others at risk. Reckless driving is a Class A misdemeanor, but it can be elevated to a felony if it results in serious injury or death.

Penalties for Reckless Driving include up to one year in jail, fines up to $2,500, and possible suspension of your driver’s license. If someone is seriously injured, you could face aggravated reckless driving charges, which may result in prison time and higher fines.

Aggravated Speeding

While speeding is typically considered a minor traffic violation, aggravated speeding is treated much more seriously. In Illinois, aggravated speeding is defined as driving 26 mph or more over the posted speed limit. This is not just a ticket; it is a criminal offense.

• 26 to 34 mph over the limit: Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail and fines up to $1,500.

• 35 mph or more over the limit: Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and fines up to $2,500.

Driving on a Suspended or Revoked License

If your license has been suspended or revoked and you are caught driving, you are committing a serious offense. The penalties can vary depending on why your license was suspended, but generally, this is treated as a Class A misdemeanor. Penalties include up to one year in jail and fines of up to $2,500. Repeated offenses or driving on a license suspended due to a DUI can lead to harsher consequences, including mandatory jail time.

Leaving the Scene of an Accident

In Illinois, it is illegal to leave the scene of an accident, especially if there are injuries or significant property damage. If convicted, you could face both criminal charges and civil penalties, including:

• Class A misdemeanor: If there is only property damage, you could face up to one year in jail and fines up to $2,500.

• Class 4 felony: If someone is injured, penalties increase to up to three years in prison and $25,000 in fines.

Contact a Rolling Meadows Criminal Defense Attorney

If you are facing charges for any of these serious traffic violations, it is important to take action quickly. An experienced Arlington Heights, IL criminal defense attorney can help you navigate the legal process and fight to protect your rights. Contact Scott F. Anderson, Attorney at Law at 847-253-3400 for a consultation and the support you need during this difficult time.