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If you get a speeding ticket or similar moving violation, court supervision is generally considered a good outcome. Of course the best outcome would be to get the ticket dismissed altogether, which is possible, but court supervision is the next best thing in most cases. You just have to complete the terms of the supervision, which may include a fine, traffic school or community service, and not get another moving violation during the supervision period.

When supervision isn’t available

Supervision isn’t available for every type of traffic violation. It’s generally only an option for moving violations that are punishable by fine (and not jail time), like a basic speeding ticket. However, there are exceptions. Some moving violations that are punishable by fine only do not qualify for supervision, such as speeding in a construction or school zone, or a second insurance-related violation.

How it works

Court supervision lasts for a few months – the exact time varies. It may cost a little more if you have to pay for traffic school on top of the ticket, but it’s worth it to keep a conviction off your driving record. A conviction can affect your insurance rates and count toward a possible license suspension later on. Illinois law says that your license will be suspended if you get three moving violation convictions in 12 months. If you are under 21, your license can be suspended for two moving violations in 24 months.

If you successfully complete the supervision, your driving record will be “clear.” A report of the violation and supervision is sent to the Illinois Secretary of State, however. This should not affect your insurance rates or be used toward a license suspension.

In Illinois, you can get supervision twice within 12 months. However, if you get that second ticket, a court appearance may be required. If you get a second ticket while still on supervision for the first, you also should talk to an attorney. The second ticket is a violation of your supervision, and the supervision can be revoked. You’re looking at two convictions – one for the first ticket because supervision was revoked and one for the second ticket.

If you violate the supervision

If you violate the supervision, by getting another moving violation for example, a judge can revoke the supervision and convict you instead. There will be a hearing in front of a judge. You will be notified. It’s a good idea to have an attorney represent you at this hearing.

Do you need an attorney?

Not everyone needs an attorney for every violation. For example, you may not need an attorney if it’s your first violation and it’s not particularly serious. Always read your ticket carefully. If you simply pay the fine and mail it in, you are pleading guilty and will get a conviction. If you are unsure, give us a call. We’ll always be honest about whether we think you need an attorney.

If you’re looking at a subsequent violation, if you are required to appear in court, or if you have received a moving violation for something more serious, we’ll probably recommend getting a lawyer. The goal is usually to get the violation reduced to something less serious, or to get it dismissed. These are things best handled by an experienced traffic defense attorney.

CDLs

If you have a commercial driver’s license, supervision on certain offenses counts as a conviction. The consequences for multiple violations can be greater, and you’ll probably have to appear in court. There are Illinois defense attorneys with specific experience in CDLs. Please contact us if you need a referral.