Speeding Ticket FAQs

If you receive an Illinois speeding ticket, review the ticket carefully. Consider the options offered on the ticket, instruction pamphlet or envelope provided to you by the officer. In Illinois, simply paying the fine for the ticket will typically result in the entry of a conviction on your public driving record. Convictions count against your driving privileges and may impact your insurance premiums. As a result, it is often worth exploring other options. Regardless, certain speeding tickets will require a court appearance and do not offer an option to pay.

No. There are several types of speeding tickets in Illinois. The penalties differ for each type of speeding violation. Some of the most common speeding offenses include Speeding in a School Zone, Speeding in a Construction Zone, Aggravated Speeding 26-34 mph over the posted limit, Aggravated Speeding 35 or more over the posted limit, and petty speeding. Aggravated speeding offenses are criminal misdemeanor offenses punishable by jail time while petty speeding offenses are punishable by fine only. Of course, conditions such as traffic safety school and community service hours may be imposed as well.

Typically, contesting a speeding ticket requires appearing in court or having an attorney appear on your behalf. In court, your speeding ticket can be challenged at trial or your attorney may negotiate a resolution with the prosecutor. In court, you or your attorney can present evidence, question the ticketing officer, and argue your case. Some people choose to represent themselves, while others opt for legal representation to improve their chances of a favorable outcome. The speeding ticket lawyers at The Davis Law Group, P.C. practice throughout the Chicago area including Cook County, Lake County and DuPage County and provide free initial consultations to help you understand your options.

Hiring legal representation can increase your chances of a positive outcome. Lawyers that focus in the area of traffic law understand the nuances of the legal system, know how to navigate complex procedures, and can often negotiate with the prosecutor for a favorable result.

It depends. Oftentimes, an attorney can appear in court on your behalf in order to resolve your speeding ticket. If your case ultimately proceeds to trial, your presence will likely be necessary. Your personal appearance in court may also depend on the type of speeding ticket issued. The need to appear in court can greatly differ from county to county and courthouse to courthouse. Your lawyer would be able to explain your options.

When choosing a lawyer for your speeding ticket case, consider their experience in traffic law, reputation. Additionally, check client reviews and inquire about their fee structure upfront.

No lawyer can guarantee a specific outcome, as it depends on various factors. A skilled attorney, however, can assess your case, identify potential defenses, explain the likely outcomes and work towards achieving the best possible result for you.

Legal fees for speeding ticket representation vary depending on the complexity of the case, the lawyer's experience, your prior driving history and other factors. Some attorneys may offer flat fees, while others charge hourly rates. It's important to discuss fees and payment structures during your initial consultation. The traffic attorneys at The Davis Law Group, P.C. quote flat fees for legal representation to ensure that our clients are aware of the financial obligations up front.

While legal representation involves upfront costs, it can often save you money in the long run. A lawyer may negotiate reduced fines, keep your driving record clean, and avoid increases in insurance premiums, which often result in overall cost savings. Some studies have found that the car insurance premiums increase by about 25% after a speeding ticket. That amount can be more or less depending on your insurance provider. Of course, multiple tickets can have a more significant impact, so it is best to keep your driving record clean from the start.

In Illinois, speeding tickets will count toward a license suspension. A single speeding ticket should not result in a suspended license but multiple moving violations will suspend your license. For drivers under the age of 21, it only takes two traffic ticket convictions within 24 months to cause a license suspension. For drivers 21 years of age and older, three convictions within 12 months will lead to suspended driver’s license.

Yes, a lawyer can assist with cases involving license suspension due to multiple speeding violations. It may be possible to remove the license suspension through a motion to vacate. In this scenario, the lawyer may be able to reopen a prior speeding ticket and remove the conviction from your record resulting in the removal of your license suspension with the Illinois Secretary of State.

The duration of a speeding ticket case varies, but having legal representation can often expedite the process. Many Illinois speeding tickets are resolved in a single court appearance. The timeline depends on factors such as the court date set by the officer or Clerk of the Circuit Court, case complexity, and negotiation efforts.