How to Get a Traffic Ticket Dismissed in Illinois
Getting a traffic ticket in Illinois isn’t just an annoyance and an inconvenience; it can also result in significant penalties and impact your license. Therefore, if you receive a traffic ticket, you should not hesitate to consult with a traffic ticket lawyer in Illinois to review your rights and legal options.
Types of Traffic Violations
In Illinois, numerous violations could result in traffic tickets. Some of the most commonly cited offenses in Illinois include:
- Texting while driving
- Red light violations
- Stop sign violations
- Speeding
- Failure to yield
- Following too closely
Penalties for traffic violations in Illinois depend on several factors, including the severity of the offense and the history of past traffic violations, if any. Usually, traffic violations come with a fine that can cost as high as $1,000. Additional penalties include driver’s license points and license suspension.
Your driver’s license may be suspended if you are convicted of three moving violations within a period of 12 months. Drivers under the age of 21 can have their license suspended for two convictions in one year.
Even “minor” traffic violations can have a significant impact on your driving record and cost you money. Consequently, you should always take traffic tickets seriously and seek assistance right away.
Reasons for Dismissing a Traffic Ticket
Under many circumstances, you can seek to have your traffic ticket dismissed. The following defenses could assist you with your request for a dismissal.
Lack of Evidence
To convict you for a traffic offense, the state has to have enough evidence. If there is little to no evidence that you committed whatever violation you were cited for, the state’s case is not strong enough, which could result in a dismissal.
Faulty Equipment
Equipment, like speed guns, may be faulty. If your traffic ticket is mainly based on information from a piece of equipment and your lawyer can prove it was faulty at the time of your citation, your ticket may be dismissed.
Errors in the Citation
Law enforcement officers may make mistakes on the citation, including citing the wrong statute or including the wrong vehicle information. These mistakes could help you get your ticket dismissed.
Steps to Get a Traffic Ticket Dismissed in Illinois
If you wish to fight your traffic ticket, you have limited time to do so. For this reason, it’s important to take action as quickly as possible. You’ll start by requesting a court hearing. During your hearing, you’ll have the opportunity to present your case and offer any potential defense.
Should your court hearing not yield favorable results, you can appeal the decision. A traffic ticket attorney can assist you with crafting your appeal and representing you in court.
The very first step to take after receiving a traffic citation is to consult with a skilled attorney. Your lawyer can help you request a court date and represent you until your case is resolved and you reach the fairest possible outcome.
Protect Your License with a Trusted Illinois Traffic Ticket Lawyer
After receiving a traffic ticket, you have limited time to request a court date and fight the citation. Speak with a lawyer as soon as possible to go over legal options and begin preparing your defense.
The defense team at Madelyn Daley & Associates is ready to provide exceptional legal representation. Contact our firm today to schedule your consultation, and let’s discuss how we can help you.
