Can I Face Criminal Charges for Speeding in Illinois?

 Posted on September 30, 2020 in Traffic Law

Getting a speeding ticket is never pleasant, but if it happens to you, you may at least expect that the worst that can happen is you will have to pay a fine. However, in some situations, speeding in Illinois can result in significantly greater penalties, including criminal charges. It is important to be aware of the extent of the consequences you may face for speeding so that you can determine whether you need an attorney to help you contest the charges.

When Is Speeding a Criminal Offense in Illinois?

The severity of possible penalties for speeding depends on how far above the speed limit you were traveling and the area in which the violation occurred. In general, speeding offenses that can result in Illinois criminal charges fall under the category of aggravated speeding, which is defined as driving more than 25 miles per hour over the posted speed limit. Specifically:

• Traveling between 25 and 35 miles per hour above the speed limit is a Class B misdemeanor, with potential consequences including up to six months of imprisonment and up to $1,500 in fines.

• Traveling 35 miles per hour or more above the speed limit is a Class A misdemeanor, with potential consequences including up to one year of imprisonment and up to $2,500 in fines.

Criminal penalties may increase if you are a repeat offender, and both of these offenses also may result in the assignment of 50 points to your driver’s license, which can contribute significantly to a suspension or revocation if you are convicted of three or more traffic violations within one year, or two or more offenses within two years if you are under the age of 21.

Additionally, Illinois law considers aggravated speeding in a construction or school zone to be a more serious offense due to the dangers it poses to workers and students. The criminal penalties for these offenses are the same as for aggravated speeding on any other roadway in Illinois, but the driver’s license point assignment is 55, the highest possible amount for a single traffic offense.

Contact a DuPage County Traffic Violations Lawyer

If you fear that you will face criminal charges for your speeding ticket, or if a conviction puts you at risk of a suspended or revoked license, Davi Law Group can help. We will pursue all possible defense strategies to either have your charges dismissed or negotiate for a lighter sentence, possibly including court supervision that allows you to avoid a conviction on your record. Contact our tenacious Wheaton, IL criminal defense attorneys today at 630-580-6373 to request a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/pdf_publications/dsd_dc19.pdf

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=062500050K11-601.5#:~:text=Driving%2026%20miles%20per%20hour%20or%20more%20in%20excess%20of%20applicable%20limit.&text=(b)%20A%20person%20who%20drives,commits%20a%20Class%20A%20misdemeanor.

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=062500050K11-605.1

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=062500050K11-605