Homer Glen Traffic Defense Attorney

Lawyer for Traffic Tickets and Criminal Violations in Homer Glen, IL

People in Homer Glen, Illinois may be pulled over by police based on alleged violations of traffic laws. Traffic violations can range from citations for moving violations to serious criminal charges that carry the risk of jail time and a permanent criminal record. What may begin as a basic traffic stop has the potential to escalate into a serious offense with lasting consequences. Drivers may find themselves facing steep fines, points that will affect their driver's license, insurance rate increases, or other penalties. By understanding the best ways to address these charges, drivers may be able to reduce or eliminate the penalties they may face.

When dealing with traffic tickets or other charges, a traffic violation defense attorney can provide you with the legal representation you need to fight these charges and protect your future. At the Law Office of J. Francis Barker, P.C., our experienced lawyer can review the circumstances of a citation or charge, explain the legal options available, and help build a defense that will allow you to resolve your case effectively.

Types of Traffic Violations and Charges

Drivers in Homer Glen may be cited for a wide variety of traffic offenses. These can include both non-criminal violations and more serious misdemeanor charges such as:

• Speeding: Standard speeding tickets are considered petty offenses, but aggravated speeding—driving 26 miles per hour or more over the limit—can result in misdemeanor charges.
• Reckless Driving: Under 625 ILCS 5/11-503, drivers may face criminal charges if they act in ways that threaten the safety of others. Multiple types of actions could lead to these charges, such as aggressive driving, tailgating, or weaving in and out of traffic. A conviction could lead to large fines and/or jail time.
• Driving Without a Valid License: A person who is accused of operating a vehicle after their driver's license has been suspended or revoked may be charged with a misdemeanor offense.
• Failure to Stop or Yield: Ignoring stop signs, running red lights, or failing to yield the right-of-way when required can result in moving violations or other more serious charges.
• Use of Electronic Devices While Driving: Using smartphones or other devices to send text messages, make phone calls, or engage in other activities can lead to traffic tickets that result in fines or other penalties.
• Leaving the Scene of an Accident: A driver who is involved in a collision must remain at the scene, provide aid when necessary, and exchange information with others. A person who does not fulfill these requirements may face criminal charges. While this offense may be charged as a misdemeanor, it could be classified as a felony if serious injuries or death occurred.
• Driving Without Insurance: A driver who is unable to provide valid proof of insurance may face fines, and their license may be suspended.

Legal Strategies for Defending Against Traffic Violations

Our traffic defense attorney can help clients determine the ideal legal strategies based on the specific charges they are facing. These strategies may include:

• Challenging the Validity of the Stop: If a traffic stop was conducted without a valid reason to believe that a person had committed an offense, any resulting citation or charge may be invalid.
• Disputing the Evidence: In cases involving speeding, the accuracy of radar or other equipment may be contested. In reckless driving cases or other situations where a person has been accused of putting others at risk, a lack of clear evidence may be a strong defense.
• Negotiating a Reduction in Charges: Our lawyer may be able to secure a plea agreement to reduce a misdemeanor charge to a non-criminal offense or infraction, helping a client avoid jail time or a criminal record.
• Seeking Court Supervision: In many traffic cases, a driver may be eligible for supervision. Successful completion of a term of supervision can prevent a conviction from being entered on a person's driving record.
• Presenting Mitigating Circumstances: If a driver has a clean record or had a valid reason for their actions, such as speeding to get to a hospital due to a medical emergency, these facts can be used to argue for reduced penalties or the dismissal of charges.

Our lawyer can provide representation in traffic court or criminal proceedings. We can also assist with hearings before the Illinois Secretary of State to dispute a license suspension or revocation or seek a reinstatement of driving privileges.

Contact Our Homer Glen, Illinois Traffic Violation Lawyer

After being pulled over and issued a traffic ticket, you should not assume that paying the fine is your only option. If you are facing serious violations or criminal charges, it is crucial to secure representation and take steps to defend against a conviction. The Law Office of J. Francis Barker, P.C. can provide the representation you need, regardless of the traffic charges you are facing. Contact our Homer Glen traffic crimes defense attorney to discuss your legal options. Call 708-321-1223 to schedule your free consultation today.