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Posted on in Traffic Violations

Arlington Heights, IL traffic citation defense attorney

Traffic courts are some of the busiest courtrooms around, especially in Illinois. There are many different types of traffic citations with which you can be charged, but the most common violations in Illinois tend to be running red lights, failing to have a copy of insurance information on hand, DUI, drag racing, reckless driving, and speeding. While some of these tickets do not require an appearance in traffic court, you can request one if you feel the need to do so. Going to court may seem daunting, but knowing what to expect can help you be more prepared to secure a positive outcome.

Preparing for Your Hearing

Not all citations require you to appear in traffic court. When you received the ticket, the officer should have informed you of whether or not you are required to attend a hearing. If you are required, you should show up to traffic court at the specified date and time. If not, you can request a hearing to challenge the ticket or plead guilty and pay the fine.

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Tagged in: Arlington Heights traffic violation attorney court hearing traffic citations traffic ticket traffic violation
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Posted on in Traffic Violations

Arlington Heights, IL suspended license defense attorney

For most Americans, having the ability to drive is a necessity, rather than a privilege. Even doing normal, everyday things such as taking children to school or running to the grocery store involves driving. Illinois laws provide for multiple reasons as to why a person could lose their driving privileges. Some violations are unrelated to driving, such as failing to pay child support or appear in court, while most deal with some sort of driving-related infraction. For the most part, the most common way people lose their driving privileges is by being arrested or convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol. That is why it is crucial to fully understand the consequences of these types of crimes in order to avoid further punishments.

Losing Your Driving Privileges

Even if you are not convicted of DUI, you will lose your driving privileges through a statutory summary suspension if you arrested on suspicion of drunk driving and fail a chemical test or refuse to take a chemical test. If you are convicted of DUI, you will face a certain period of time during which your license will be suspended. Every situation is different, but for the most part, you are permitted to apply for special driving permits that would allow you to legally drive with your suspended or revoked license as long as you obey the terms of the permit. If you do not apply for a driving permit, but you still choose to drive while your license is suspended or revoked, you can face serious consequences.

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Tagged in: DUI revoked drivers license Rolling Meadows criminal defense attorney suspended drivers license traffic violation
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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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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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