Lemont, Illinois Traffic Crimes Lawyer

Attorney for Traffic Tickets and Criminal Traffic Charges in Lemont

Traffic offenses in Lemont, Illinois can lead to far more than a simple fine or a mark on your driving record. Depending on the nature of the offense, you could face steep penalties, including the suspension or revocation of your driving privileges, costly fines, increased insurance rates, or even criminal prosecution. Whether you have been charged with a minor traffic infraction or a more serious offense such as a hit and run or driving without a license, the legal consequences can escalate quickly.

Police officers in Lemont actively monitor the roads and highways to enforce the state's traffic laws. When you have been accused of violating one or more of these laws, it is essential to take the situation seriously. Traffic charges that seem routine may have lasting effects, especially if the charges lead to a criminal conviction or the loss of your license. By working with an attorney who knows how to defend against traffic violations, you can protect your rights, explore all available legal defenses, and determine the best ways to minimize the long-term consequences that could affect you.

The Law Office of J. Francis Barker, P.C. can serve as your strong advocate throughout every stage of the legal process. We will advise you on the best steps to take to address the charges you are facing, and we will work to help you achieve results that will allow you to avoid serious penalties. Regardless of the nature of your charges, our attorney will provide the effective defense you need.

Hit and Run Charges in Lemont

Under Illinois law, leaving the scene of an accident—commonly referred to as a hit and run—is a serious traffic offense that can result in criminal penalties. You could be charged with a hit and run offense if you fail to stop and exchange information or provide aid as required by 625 ILCS 5/11-401 or 11-402.

There are different classifications of hit and run offenses based on the type of accident:

• Accidents Involving Property Damage Only: If you are accused of striking another vehicle or object and leaving the scene without attempting to contact the other party or notifying law enforcement, you could be charged with a Class A misdemeanor. If you are convicted, you could be sentenced to up to one year in jail and fined up to $2,500.
• Accidents Involving Injury or Death: When you have been accused of leaving the scene of a crash that resulted in personal injury or death, the offense may be charged as a felony. A Class 4 felony for leaving the scene of an injury accident could lead to a jail sentence of one to three years. If the accident resulted in death, the charge may be enhanced to a Class 2 or Class 1 felony.

Driving Without a Valid License

You could face criminal charges if you are accused of driving after your license has been suspended or revoked. This offense is defined in 625 ILCS 5/6-101, which states that driving without a valid license is a Class A misdemeanor. If your license had been suspended because of a DUI arrest or conviction, multiple traffic violations, or other reasons, you may be arrested and charged with a crime if you continue to drive.

In addition to criminal penalties, a conviction for driving without a valid license can lead to longer wait times before you will be able to reinstate your driving privileges. Our traffic defense attorney can help you seek a reduction in charges, advocate for supervision or community service in place of a conviction, or determine whether other options may be available. We will work to resolve the underlying issue that led to the loss of your license, and we will help you reinstate your license as soon as possible.

Other Traffic Offenses That May Lead to Penalties

There are a wide range of other traffic violations that you may face. If you are charged with multiple offenses, they can have a cumulative effect that may lead to increased insurance rates, higher fines, or even the loss of your license. At the Law Office of J. Francis Barker, P.C., we can help defend against traffic tickets or offenses such as:

• Speeding: While minor speeding tickets are usually handled as petty offenses, excessive speeding (26 miles per hour or more above the limit) can lead to criminal charges for aggravated speeding.
• Reckless Driving: Defined by 625 ILCS 5/11-503 as operating a vehicle with a willful disregard for safety, reckless driving is a Class A misdemeanor, and a conviction may lead to jail time and a permanent criminal record.
• Driving Without Insurance: A first offense may lead to a fine of at least $500, and a vehicle's license plates will be suspended. A second offense after a vehicle's plates have been suspended may lead to a minimum $1,000 fine.
• Failure to Obey Traffic Signals or Signs: Running a red light or ignoring a stop sign may result in a fine and points on your driver's license. Repeat offenses can lead to license suspension.
• Distracted Driving or Texting While Driving: Illinois law prohibits texting or using handheld devices while driving. Other distractions could also lead to traffic violations. While these charges will usually involve fines, repeat offenses could lead to a license suspension

While some offenses may seem minor on their own, they can result in serious penalties if you receive multiple tickets. If you are convicted of three or more moving violations within a 12-month period, your license may be suspended under Illinois' point system.

Contact Our Lemont, IL Traffic Violations Attorney

By taking proactive legal action after receiving a traffic ticket, you can determine the best ways to minimize the consequences that could affect your finances, your driver's license, or other parts of your life. The support of the attorney at the Law Office of J. Francis Barker, P.C. can make a difference in your case. Contact our Lemont traffic ticket defense lawyer and set up a free consultation by calling 708-321-1223.