Chicago Traffic Violation Attorney

Traffic Violation Attorney in Chicago, IL

Speeding offenses, driving on a suspended license, and other traffic violations can have a significant impact on your driving privileges and overall record. Depending on the nature of the offense—such as speeding at certain levels—you could even face a criminal conviction. Despite these potential consequences, many people make the mistake of simply pleading guilty online and paying the fine, not realizing that doing so may lead to long-term issues such as higher insurance rates, points on their record, or even license suspension. 

Navigating the aftermath of a traffic citation can be stressful and confusing, especially when you're unsure how the violation may affect your ability to drive. While paying the fine may seem like the quickest solution, it often closes the door to more favorable outcomes. In many cases, there are ways to challenge the citation, negotiate for a dismissal, request that the offense be amended, or pursue alternative resolutions that preserve your driving privileges. 

Working with a Chicago traffic violation attorney gives you the opportunity to explore these options. Whether you’re facing allegations of speeding, dealing with a suspended license, or responding to a moving violation, having informed legal guidance can make the process far more manageable. Our firm evaluates the details of your case, identifies potential weaknesses in the citation, and advocates on your behalf to reduce or eliminate the consequences. Before you take action on your ticket, contact our office to discuss your options and protect your driving future. 

How Traffic Violations Happen 

Traffic violations often occur as a result of everyday driving mistakes, misunderstandings, or even errors in enforcement. Speeding, failing to signal, rolling through a stop sign, or parking in a restricted area are just a few examples of actions that can lead to citations. In Chicago, where heavy traffic and complex regulations are part of daily life, it’s easy to unintentionally violate traffic laws.  

Additionally, law enforcement officers occasionally issue tickets based on misinterpretations or incorrect observations. For instance, radar devices used to measure speed can produce inaccurate readings, leading to unjust citations. Whether you believe the violation was issued fairly or not, hiring a speeding violation lawyer or traffic ticket lawyer in Chicago ensures that you have a knowledgeable advocate on your side to challenge or mitigate the charges.

Consequences of Traffic Violations in Chicago 

Traffic violations may appear minor at first, but their impact can escalate quickly—especially if you accumulate multiple offenses over time. These citations can affect not only your finances, but also your driving privileges, insurance rates, and overall driving record. Even a single ticket has the potential to create long-term consequences that many drivers do not anticipate. 

The most immediate penalty for most traffic violations is a fine. Depending on the offense, the cost may range from modest to substantial, and many tickets carry additional surcharges or administrative fees that can significantly increase the total amount owed. Beyond the financial impact, Illinois uses a point system to monitor a driver’s history. Each violation adds a certain number of points to your record, and accumulating too many points can result in a license suspension. Offenses such as speeding, reckless driving, or failure to obey traffic signals can quickly add points that put your driving privileges at risk. 

Insurance companies also closely review driving records when determining rates. A single conviction can raise your premiums for several years, and multiple violations may label you as a high-risk driver, resulting in even steeper increases. In more serious situations—such as excessive speeding, driving without insurance, or repeated offenses—drivers may face license suspension or revocation. Losing your ability to drive can interfere with your job, education, family responsibilities, and daily life. 

Because the consequences can compound so easily, understanding the broader impact of a traffic ticket is crucial. What seems like a minor citation can trigger financial strain, points on your license, and higher insurance costs. By consulting a traffic violation attorney in Chicago, IL, you give yourself the chance to avoid or reduce these long-term repercussions. A Chicago traffic violation attorney can challenge the charges, negotiate for reduced penalties, or work to keep points off your driving record. With the right guidance, you may be able to minimize the effects of the violation and protect your ability to drive. 

Charged with Speeding in Chicago, IL?

Speeding in General

Let’s face it, most of us speed. Whether we’re late for work, late for our kids soccer game or just enjoying a nice summer day, our foot gets a little heavy. Police officers are of course diligent in ticketing drivers who go over the speed limit. There are multiple ways a police officer can detect your speed. In most common scenarios, the officer is able to detect your speed with a radar. The officer can also be traveling behind you and pace you, or in other words travel at the same speed you are traveling and determine your speed from the officers speedometer. In any case, these methods are not always 100% accurate. 

Petty Speeding in Chicago

If you are charged with speeding for going 25 miles per hour or less over the speed limit, you will be charged with a petty speeding offense. Petty speeding is only punishable by a fine and/or traffic safety school. In most situations, a person can be eligible for court supervision. You are only eligible for up to two supervisions within a 12 month time period. Supervision does not have an impact on your driving privileges nor points on your insurance. However, once you are no longer eligible for supervision, you will receive a conviction. Multiple convictions can suspend your driving privileges and raise insurance rates. It is important to note that there are some speeding offenses that are petty but require additional high fines. For example, a Scott’s Law violation (failing to change lanes when approaching an emergency vehicle) can require a minimum of $500.00 plus court assessments. In many cases we can negotiate with the State to avoid minimum fines. 

Aggravated Speeding in Chicago

Aggravated Speeding is a great deal more serious than petty speeding. If a person is traveling 26 miles per hour over the speed limit, they will be charged with a Class B misdemeanor which is a criminal offense and carries with it potential jail time. This of course depends on your driving history, the circumstances in the case, and other factors. In fact, the law imposes a maximum jail sentence of 180 days in jail for Aggravated Speeding, going 26MPH and over. If a person is traveling 35 miles per hour over the speed limit, they will be charged with a Class A misdemeanor, a more severe criminal offense. The law can impose a maximum jail sentence of 364 days in jail for speeding in excess of 35MPH over the speed limit. In many cases, our traffic violation lawyer are able negotiate with the prosecutors to change the ticket so that you are no longer charged with a criminal offense at all. Call our firm to discuss your options. 

Penalties of Aggravated Speeding in Chicago

Under Illinois law, if a person travels 26 miles per hour or more over the speed limit, they could be charged with a Class B misdemeanor carrying with it a possible punishment up to 180 days in jail and heavy fines. If a person travels 35 miles per hour or more over the speed limit, a person could face a Class A misdemeanor carrying a possible sentence up to 364 days in jail and heavy fines.