Reckless Driving is when a person drives without taking into consideration the safety of other people or property, whether intentional or unintentional. According to Illinois criminal law, Reckless Driving is also when a person drives with the intention to cause the vehicle become airborne, such as on a ramp or a hill.
Aggravated Reckless Driving is a more serious felony criminal charge that results when the driver causes severe physical harm or disables another person.
(See Illinois Driving Laws sec. 11)
Can a Criminal Defense Lawyer help me with a Reckless Driving charge?
Yes, if you are charged with reckless driving in Illinois our lawyers can help you. We have helped others who have been charged with this same crime and have been able to help them fight the charges entirely.
Many times it is your word against the police officer’s word and we are here to help you get heard. If you call for a free consultation we will review your case with you and give you advice on what your next steps should be. There may be motions that we can file on your behalf that only someone who has taken the time to individually review your case would know to file.
Illinois Reckless Driving Penalties
How much time could I receive for a Reckless Driving conviction?
Reckless Driving is a Class A Misdemeanor which carries a possible sentence of up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
Aggravated Reckless Driving is a Class 4 Felony which carries a possible sentence of up to 3 years in a state penitentiary and/or a fine of up to $25,000.
If the Reckless Driving or Aggravated Reckless Driving causes harm to a child or a school crossing guard while on duty the penalty is more severe. It is very important to speak with one of our experienced attorneys who will review your case individually and advise you on how to proceed.
Illinois Street Racing Laws & Penalties
According to Illinois criminal law, Street Racing can be two cars competing at the same time or two cars competing individually trying to obtain a better time. It is also considered Street Racing to try and arrive by vehicle to a destination first, even if the destination is far away. Additionally, Street Racing is using one or more vehicles to block a car from passing. Finally, Street Racing is also testing the physical endurance of someone to drive long distances.
If the Street Racing ended in an accident that resulted in severe physical harm, disfigurement, or disablement it becomes Aggravated Street Racing.
If you are charged with Street Racing, our attorneys can help you. If you are convicted of Street Racing in Illinois, your license may be revoked and your criminal record will be affected. If you call us today for a free consultation, we can look at your case and help you decide what you should do next to minimize the charges and protect your future.
A first offense violation of Street Racing is a Class A Misdemeanor which carries a possible sentence of up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. There is also at least a $240 mandatory fine.
A second or subsequent violation of street racing is a Class 4 Felony which carries a possible sentence of up to 3 years in a state penitentiary and/or a fine of up to $25,000. There is also at least a $500 mandatory fine.
Aggravated Street Racing is also a Class 4 Felony which also carries a possible sentence of up to 3 years in a state penitentiary and/or a fine of up to $25,000.
Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Police Officer?
According to Illinois criminal law, Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Police Officer is when someone is pulled over or otherwise alerted to stop by a police officer but that person refuses to stop.
Can I fight a charge of Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Police Officer Charge?
Fleeing or Attempting to Elude an Officer is often a difficult charge because a person may not have noticed the police lights or they may have continued driving looking for a safe place to stop. We understand that it can sometimes be nerve racking to be pulled over by a police officer, especially if you have outstanding warrants for your arrest.
If you are being charged with Attempting to Elude a Police Officer, our experienced attorneys can help you.We can argue it was a mistake or oversight, and you had no intention of running from the law.
Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Police Officer – Penalties
A first offense violation of Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Police Officer can result in your license being suspended for up to six months.
A second offense Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Police Officer charge can result in your license being suspended for up to one year.
A third or subsequent offense of Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Police Officer is a Class 4 Felony which carries a possible sentence of up to 3 years in a state penitentiary and/or a fine of up to $25,000.
Free Consultation on any Illinois Reckless Driving or Criminal Traffic Offense
The freedom to drive is something we all take for granted, and can’t imagine being without. You are at risk of significant license suspension with many of these charges, and possibly a real risk of jail time. Even if you weren’t arrested on the spot, a criminal traffic citation is no less a criminal offense.
Take advantage of a free consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney in Illinois. Find out how we can help you fix this legal problem.