Many individuals who receive traffic tickets think that they have no choice but to pay the fine and forget about it. However, the reality is that these offenses can have serious consequences for your driving record and insurance rates.
A suspended license can put an additional strain on you because you will need to rely on carpooling or public transportation to get around. A skilled Chicago Traffic Ticket Attorney can help you avoid these penalties.
Speeding
Getting pulled over for speeding is always an unpleasant experience. If you’re going over the limit, you could face fines, court costs, and points on your driving record. These penalties can affect your license and raise your car insurance rates. This is why it’s important to contact a Chicago traffic ticket lawyer.
Police officers may check one of two boxes on the back of your ticket: “No Court Appearance Required” or “Court Appearance Required.” The box that is checked determines whether you will have to go to court.
A Chicago traffic attorney will be able to assess your situation and provide advice about which course of action is best for you. They will consider the severity of your case and the impact it might have on your life, such as skyrocketing insurance rates or a suspended or revoked driver’s license. Often, traffic lawyers can help you get a reduced charge or even have your case dismissed.
Driving under the influence
Driving under the influence is a serious offense that can lead to expensive fines, jail time, and a suspended or revoked license. Moreover, it can also negatively impact your auto insurance premiums. Therefore, it is important to consult a Chicago Traffic Ticket Attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights as a driver.
A Chicago traffic lawyer will fight to keep your record clean and help you avoid the present and future consequences of a ticket. However, many people assume that their only option is to pay a fine and move on. They fail to realize that a guilty plea can have long-term consequences for their driving privileges.
When a police officer pulls you over, they will look for any indication that you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This includes prescription, over the counter, and recreational drugs. Any substance that alters a person’s behavior or reactions is considered to be intoxicating.
Reckless driving
Reckless driving is a serious offense and can result in steep fines, license suspension, and even jail time in some instances. According to New York Vehicle and Traffic Law SS 1212, anyone who drives a vehicle “carelessly and heedlessly in disregard of the rights or safety of others” is guilty of reckless driving.
A person convicted of reckless driving may receive a large fine, and their car insurance rates will likely increase. For commercial drivers, a conviction can significantly affect their BASIC and SMS scores, which are used by the Department of Transportation to measure fleet safety.
If you’ve received a traffic ticket for reckless driving, contact an experienced Chicago traffic attorney immediately to avoid both short- and long-term consequences. Our firm’s goal is to protect your record and driving privileges by preparing an effective defense strategy that can get the charge reduced to a minor violation such as speeding or failing to yield. Contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation.
Driving without a license
While driving without a license is not as serious as DUI or speeding, it can still negatively affect your rights as a driver. If you get caught, your driver’s license may be suspended or revoked for several reasons. This can be a huge inconvenience and can force you to carpool or rely on public transportation, increasing your expenses.
If you decide to fight your ticket, you must appear in court to discuss the case with a judge. Your lawyer will help you with the process and ensure that you are not convicted. Depending on the severity of your traffic violation, you may have to pay fines or complete traffic school. In addition, your insurance rates may increase.
While many people think that a traffic ticket is just a nuisance, it can have a serious impact on your rights as a driver. It is important to contact a Chicago traffic ticket attorney as soon as possible.
