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Trying to figure out the law can be frustrating. Not only is there a lot of information out there, but everyone likes to hand out advice. We try to boil it down and make it easy to understand, but we know it can still be overwhelming. There are a lot of pages on our website on traffic defense in Illinois. If you’re looking for something more basic, here is an overview to get you started:

• Traffic offenses range from basic speeding tickets, which are punishable by a fine, to reckless driving or DUIs that are punishable by jail time.
• When you are pulled over for a traffic stop, be polite but understand that you do not have to answer any questions about whether you were drinking or where you were going.
• For those basic speeding tickets, your goal should be court supervision, although with the help of an attorney you may be able to get it dismissed.
• Court supervision keeps your driving record clean so that it won’t affect your insurance rates. It also won’t count toward the three ticket limit before your license is suspended.
• If you get three moving violations in 12 months, your license will be suspended. If you are under 21, two violations in 24 months will result in suspension.
• Speeding in a construction or school zone is more serious and the fines are greater. Even if this is your first ticket, you should consider hiring an attorney to try and lessen it to a regular speeding ticket or get it dismissed.
• When hiring a traffic defense attorney, it’s important to consider where you’ll be going to court. Look for an attorney who appears in that courthouse often. If they have a good relationship with the judges and prosecutors, it can help.
• If you are facing something more serious, such as a DUI, find an attorney with specific experience defending those cases. You cannot expunge or seal a DUI or reckless driving conviction. It will remain on your record.
• Many traffic defense attorneys charge a flat fee to defend you, even if it takes several court appearances. For something more involved or unpredictable, such as a DUI, an attorney may charge hourly.

If you need help understanding a traffic violation or an arrest, or you’re wondering whether you need an attorney or whether you even need to appear in court, just ask. You can contact us anytime and get a response quickly (usually right away and almost always within 24 hours). An attorney will go over your questions and help you decide what to do next. If you need an attorney to handle your case, we will recommend one of the attorneys we know in your area – someone who has a solid reputation and track record of success. Contacting us is completely free and confidential.