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Posted on in Traffic Violations

Rolling Meadows, IL traffic crimes defense attorney

There are many different types of traffic tickets that a driver can receive in the state of Illinois. Some traffic citations are considered “fix it” tickets, or correctable offenses, such as a broken headlight. Other traffic offenses are more serious and can result in criminal charges, costly fines, and in some cases, jail time. Some people may think that just paying the fine for the ticket will make it go away, but every time you pay a traffic ticket, you are basically pleading guilty to that offense. Because certain consequences can come from pleading guilty to traffic citations, it could be more beneficial for you to fight your traffic ticket. If you have been cited for any type of traffic offense in Illinois, a traffic violations defense attorney can help you clear your record.

To Fight or Not to Fight?

For some traffic offenses, such as running a red light, it may just be better to pay the ticket, accept the guilty charge, and move on. For other traffic violations, such as aggravated speeding or DUI, it may be better to take the case to court. With this option, evidence can be presented, and in certain situations, law enforcement may have made a procedural error when issuing the ticket. 

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Tagged in: aggravated speeding Rolling Meadows traffic violations defense lawyer traffic citations traffic ticket traffic violation
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Posted on in Traffic Violations

Rolling Meadows, IL traffic violation defense attorney

Every motorist in Illinois is required by law to move out of the way when an emergency vehicle is coming down the street. If you do not move, then you may be issued a serious traffic ticket. What some people may not know is that you are also required to move to the farthest lane if you approach an emergency vehicle that is stopped on the side of the road. This is called the “Move Over” law, and it was created to attempt to prevent harm from coming to police officers and other emergency workers when they are responding to a call.

What Is Scott’s Law?

The Move Over law is also known as Scott’s Law, and it is named after Lieutenant Scott Gillen of the Chicago Fire Department, who was struck and killed by an intoxicated driver when he was helping at the scene of a car accident on a Chicago expressway. Scott’s Law states that when an authorized emergency vehicle gives a signal or displays flashing lights, all drivers must make an effort to change lanes to one that is not next to the emergency vehicle or reduce their speed and proceed with caution if changing lanes is unsafe or impossible.

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Tagged in: Arlington Heights traffic violation attorney emergency vehicles Scotts Law suspended drivers license traffic ticket
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Posted on in Traffic Violations

Rolling Meadows, IL drug possession lawyer

It has often been said that dogs are a man’s best friend, and that makes perfect sense when you look at the relationship that humans and canines have had for years. For centuries, dogs have been beloved companions, and dogs often work alongside law enforcement professionals in the field. Today, tens of thousands of dogs work with their police officer handlers, and one of their most common duties is to use their exceptional olfactory abilities to sniff out illicit substances. During traffic stops, it is not uncommon for an officer to use a drug-sniffing dog, but the legality of this tactic has been questioned.

Does This Violate Fourth Amendment Rights?

The first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution are called the Bill of Rights, and they include many rights that are core American values, including the right against unreasonable searches. The Fourth Amendment contains this right and states that American citizens have the right to “be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects,” and for those things to be free from “unreasonable searches and seizures,” unless a warrant has been issued.

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Tagged in: Arlington Heights drug crimes defense attorney drug charges drug crimes drug offense drug possession
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Posted on in Traffic Violations

Arlington Heights, IL traffic ticket defense lawyer

Many people would agree that you should stop and address the situation if you are in a traffic accident. The majority of crashes can result in some sort of damage, whether it is property damage or bodily injury. If you get into any type of vehicle accident, it is always a good idea to stop and call the police, especially if the other person does not want to cooperate with you or provide insurance information. In most cases, you are legally required to stop and report the situation to the police, and fleeing the scene of the accident is illegal. Failure to stop after an accident can result in you being charged with a misdemeanor or felony crime, depending on the situation.

Fleeing from a Property Damage-Only Accident

Even if you are involved in a car accident that does not involve injury to another person, you are still required to stop. By law, you are required to provide the other driver with your name, address, vehicle registration number, and insurance information. You do not have to remain in the exact spot where you collided with the other driver, especially if you are blocking traffic. You are able to move your vehicle as long as it is safe to do so, but you still must exchange information with the other driver.

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Tagged in: Arlington Heights traffic violation attorney crash fatal car accident fleeing the scene traffic violation
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Posted on in Traffic Violations

Rolling Meadows, IL CDL traffic violation lawyer

Speeding is a rather common traffic offense in Illinois and throughout the United States. It is easy to speed, because in many cases, a person does not even realize they are going over the speed limit. Traveling over the speed limit may seem like a victimless offense, but according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding killed more than 9,700 people in 2017 alone, or around 26 percent of all people killed in traffic accidents that year. Because of the danger speeding poses, Illinois laws can be rather serious when it comes to punishing violators. Any person who speeds is technically breaking the law, but those who have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) may face other consequences that could potentially damage their careers.

Speeding Laws in Illinois

If you are driving a designated amount over the speed limit, you may face criminal charges. These speeding laws are the same whether or not you hold a CDL. If you are going 26 mph or more over the posted speed limit, but not more than 35 mph over the limit, you can be charged with a Class B misdemeanor. This means you will face up to six months in jail and up to $1,500 with a minimum fine of $75. If you are caught going 35 mph or more over the posted speed limit, you can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor, meaning you will face up to one year in prison and up to $2,500 in fines.

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Tagged in: Arlington Heights traffic violation attorney CDL drivers license speeding speeding violations traffic ticket
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