DRIVING OFFENSES ATTORNEY IN AURORA, IL

Are you facing charges for a driving offense? Whether it is a DUI, reckless driving, or speeding, these charges can have severe repercussions for your personal and professional life.

At the Law Offices of David Guy Stevens, we understand the stress and uncertainty you're going through. And we're here to provide you with the legal counsel and representation you need to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome. 

Our law firms are located in Aurora, Illinois, and Wheaton, Illinois, and serve clients in Dupage, Kane, Kendall, Cook, and Will counties. David Guy Stevens, our criminal defense attorney, has years of experience and a deep understanding of Illinois driving laws.

We pride ourselves on offering personalized service tailored to your situation. Allow us to ease your worries and guide you through this challenging time. 

Why Seek Legal Help for Driving Offenses?

Driving offenses can attract severe penalties, including hefty fines, license suspension, increased insurance rates, and even jail time. The legal system can be complicated, making it difficult to understand your rights and options. With our help, you can benefit from: 

• Comprehensive legal knowledge: We stay updated on the latest Illinois driving laws and regulations so that we can provide informed advice and effective representation. 

• Personalized attention: Every case is unique. We take the time to understand your circumstances and craft a suitable defense strategy. 

• Peace of mind: With us by your side, you can focus on your life while we handle the legalities of your case. 

Understanding Traffic Violations

Usually, when you are given a citation for a traffic violation, there’s only a certain amount of time you have to pay for it; otherwise, a warrant for your arrest could be issued, and your driver’s license could be suspended. Most people go ahead and pay the fines for traffic tickets involving moving violations, or what is sometimes known as “strict liability” offenses, such as: 

• Speeding 

• Running a red light 

• Reckless driving 

• Leaving the scene of an accident 

• Fleeing and eluding 

• Driving without car insurance 

• Parking in a handicapped zone 

• Running a stop sign or light 

• Improper passing 

• Improper lane usage or 

• Driving with an expired license plate or registration 

Regardless of the type of traffic violation or the number of citations you have, you should know your rights and contact a traffic violation attorney, who can help you reduce the fines and penalties on your driving record and protect your driving privileges. 

Driving Laws in Illinois

Understanding Illinois driving laws is necessary for anyone facing a driving offense charge. Here's a brief overview of some critical regulations: 

DUI (Driving Under the Influence) 

In Illinois, it's illegal to drive with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. Penalties for a DUI can include fines, license suspension, and even jail time. For first-time offenders, penalties may include: 

• Fines up to $2,500 

• License suspension for up to one year 

• Possible jail time of up to one year 

Repeat offenders face even harsher penalties, including longer license suspensions and mandatory jail sentences. 

Reckless Driving 

Reckless driving is defined as operating a vehicle with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of people or property. This can include excessive speeding, weaving through traffic, or street racing. Penalties for reckless driving can include: 

• Fines up to $2,500 

• Potential jail time of up to one year 

• License suspension 

Speeding 

Speeding is one of the most common driving offenses in Illinois. The penalties for speeding vary depending on how much over the speed limit you were driving: 

• 1-20 mph over the limit: Fines up to $150 

• 21-30 mph over the limit: Fines up to $300 

• 31+ mph over the limit: Class B misdemeanor, possible jail time, and higher fines 

Driving Without a Valid License 

Operating a vehicle without a valid driver's license is a serious offense in Illinois. Penalties can include fines, vehicle impoundment, and jail time, particularly for repeat offenders. 

Driving Without Insurance

Driving without valid auto insurance is illegal in Illinois and can result in significant penalties. Consequences for driving without insurance can include: 

• Fines ranging from $500 to $1,000 

• Mandatory suspension of your driver's license and vehicle registration 

• Possible impoundment of your vehicle 

Texting While Driving

Illinois has strict laws against using a handheld device while driving. Texting while driving is considered a primary offense, meaning you can be pulled over specifically for this violation. Penalties for texting while driving can include: 

• Fines up to $75 for a first offense 

• Higher fines for subsequent offenses, with the potential for license suspension 

Driving with a Suspended or Revoked License

Operating a vehicle while your license is suspended or revoked is a serious offense in Illinois. The consequences can be severe and may include: 

• Hefty fines 

• Extended period of license suspension or revocation 

• Potential jail time, especially for repeat offenders or if the suspension was due to a DUI conviction 

Traffic Violations

Too many traffic violations may result in the loss of your driving privileges. 

• Two moving violation convictions in a 24-month period if under the age of twenty-one 

• Three moving violation convictions in a 12-month period if over the age of twenty-one 

• Failure to pay tickets or appear in court 

• Failure to pay parking tickets or toll fees 

• Failure to pay child support 

• Unlawful consumption of alcohol by a minor 

• DUI 

• Improper passing a school bus 

• Speeding in a school zone 

However, the most common way is to get a conviction for driving an uninsured motor vehicle. A driver is responsible for the vehicle they are driving, even if it is not their own vehicle.

A driver can only receive court supervision for an insurance violation once in a lifetime, and it can only be their first insurance charge. Even if you only received what most people consider a minor driving offense, it may still have dire consequences. 

How We Can Help

When you reach out to the Law Offices of David Guy Stevens, you can expect a comprehensive approach to your driving offense case. Our process typically involves: 

Initial Consultation 

We will start by discussing the specifics of your case to understand your situation and determine the best course of action. 

Investigation 

We will gather all relevant information, including police reports, witness statements, and available evidence. This thorough investigation helps us build a strong defense on your behalf. 

Strategy Development 

Based on our findings, we will develop a defense strategy tailored to your circumstances. This may involve negotiating with prosecutors, seeking alternative sentencing options, or challenging the evidence against you. 

Representation 

We will represent you in court, advocating for your rights and working to achieve the best possible outcome. Our goal is to minimize the impact of the charges on your life and help you move forward.