Tinley Park Traffic Violation Attorney

Lawyer for Moving Violations and Traffic Crimes in Tinley Park, IL

Traffic violations may seem like minor infractions, but they can lead to serious consequences that can affect your driving record, the costs of auto insurance, and even your personal freedom. In Tinley Park, Illinois, police officers actively patrol the roads, and you could be pulled over for a variety of reasons. Whether the charge involves speeding, running a red light, or a more severe moving violation, the implications can be more significant than you may expect.

When you are facing traffic-related charges in Tinley Park, a skilled attorney can provide you with knowledgeable legal guidance to help safeguard your rights and protect your driving privileges. At the Law Office of J. Francis Barker, P.C., our lawyer can provide critical legal support to address the charges, help reduce the potential penalties, and, when possible, challenge the basis for the citation entirely.

Common Moving Violations in Tinley Park

Moving violations involve a breach of traffic laws, and they include a wide range of infractions. Some of the reasons that drivers may receive traffic tickets in Tinley Park include:

• Speeding: Traveling above the posted speed limit may result in a speeding ticket. Some roads may be monitored by cameras and speed-detecting devices, and tickets may be issued and mailed to a driver who violated the speed limit.
• Running a Red Light or Stop Sign: Automated red light cameras are used in some intersections, and tickets may be issued if drivers run through red lights. In other situations, police officers may pull over a driver who has ignored a red light or stop sign and issue a ticket.
• Improper Lane Usage: Changing lanes without signaling or weaving between lanes can lead to a citation for unsafe driving.
• Failure to Yield: Drivers may be charged with refusing to yield the right of way to other vehicles at intersections or when merging into traffic. Right of way violations may also occur when drivers do not stop for pedestrians in crosswalks.
• Following Too Closely (Tailgating): When a person does not leave enough space between their vehicle and a vehicle in front of them, they increase the risks of rear-end accidents, and they could be ticketed.
• Distracted Driving: The use of handheld devices while driving is illegal in Illinois under 625 ILCS 5/12-610.2. Penalties typically include fines, with the amount a driver will be required to pay increasing for repeat offenses.

Potential Penalties for Traffic Violations

The consequences for traffic violations in Illinois depend on the severity of the offense and the driver's prior history. Even minor infractions can carry lasting repercussions, which may include:

• Fines: Monetary penalties range from $75 for basic violations to over $1,000 for more serious offenses or repeat offenses.
• Points: Illinois uses a system in which different traffic violations will result in points being added to a person's driving record. More serious violations carry higher numbers of points.
• License Suspension or Revocation: A driver who receives three or more moving violations within a 12-month period will face a suspension of their driver's license. The length of the suspension will be based on the total number of points on their record. Serious violations may trigger an immediate license suspension, even for a first offense.

When Traffic Violations Become Criminal Charges

While many traffic violations are minor infractions that can result in fines, some are serious enough that they may result in criminal charges. These include:

• Aggravated Speeding: Driving 26 miles per hour or more over the posted limit is a misdemeanor offense. Under 625 ILCS 5/11-601.5, speeding by at least 26 miles per hour is a Class B misdemeanor. Driving 35 miles per hour or more above the speed limit can lead to Class A misdemeanor charges. These offenses could lead to jail time and thousands of dollars in fines.
• Driving Without a Valid License: A person who operates a vehicle after their license has been suspended or revoked may face Class A misdemeanor charges under 625 ILCS 5/11-601.5.
• Reckless Driving: Defined under 625 ILCS 5/11-503, this charge involves driving in a manner that disregards the safety of others. It may be charged as a Class A misdemeanor. Aggravated reckless driving that results in serious injuries or death can lead to felony charges.
• DUI (Driving Under the Influence): Drivers who are charged with operating a vehicle while they are intoxicated by alcohol or drugs will face a number of penalties, including license suspension, high fines, and potential jail time.
• Leaving the Scene of an Accident: Under 625 ILCS 5/11-402, a person who does not stop and exchange information with other drivers after an accident involving property damage may be charged with a Class A misdemeanor. Under 625 ILCS 5/11-401, failing to stop after an accident involving injuries or death can lead to felony charges.

A conviction for a criminal traffic offense can have far-reaching consequences. It may result in a permanent criminal record, difficulty securing employment, and other collateral consequences.

Contact Our Tinley Park, Illinois Traffic Defense Lawyer

When you have been pulled over and charged with a traffic offense in Tinley Park, the skilled lawyer at the Law Office of J. Francis Barker, P.C. can help you understand the steps you can take to minimize your potential penalties. Contact our Tinley Park, IL traffic violation defense attorney at 708-321-1223 to set up a free consultation where you can discuss your case, learn your options, and begin taking the necessary steps to protect your driving privileges.