A traffic ticket or speeding violation can halt your driving privileges and prevent you from getting to work and caring for your family. Chicago Traffic Tickets Lawyers can help you fight the offense or negotiate for a dismissal.
They can also keep the conviction off of your record so that your auto insurance rates do not increase.
Representation in Traffic Court
Many drivers think that the only option after a traffic ticket is to pay the fine and move on. However, in the case of a serious violation, even a single conviction on your record can lead to jail time or result in your license being suspended or revoked. Truckers and other professional drivers face stiffer penalties and fines, and a traffic conviction can cost you your job.
A Chicago traffic lawyer can help you avoid these consequences by fighting the ticket in court on your behalf. The attorney can review the evidence against you and argue that it is not sufficient to support a guilty finding. They can also take into account any procedural errors that might be made by the police officer who issued the citation in an attempt to have your case dismissed.
At your first court appearance, the judge will explain your individual rights and how the case will proceed. You will then have an opportunity to enter a negotiated plea before your case is called or request a trial.
Pleading Guilty or Not Guilty
When you’ve received a traffic ticket, you must decide to plead guilty or not guilty by the response date listed on the citation. It’s a decision that can have long-term effects on your license, insurance rates and more.
Whether the violation you’ve committed is a simple one like speeding, or more serious infractions such as DUI or hit and run, you need to have your case handled by a professional. A Chicago traffic ticket lawyer from our team can help you defend your rights, protect your driving privileges and keep your fines to a minimum.
Most traffic tickets are heard in a bench trial, where a judge hears all evidence presented and decides the outcome of the case. In some instances, your case may be sent to a jury. This process is very similar to any other civil or criminal trial. The Chicago traffic ticket lawyers from our firm are experienced in both types of trials and will leave no stone unturned to ensure the best possible result.
Testimony in Court
Most traffic ticket cases are considered bench trials, meaning that the judge will be presiding over your case and will decide on the outcome based on evidence presented in court. The police officer who issued the ticket will testify, and you may have the opportunity to question them under oath about their version of events. If the prosecution brings witnesses, you have the right to cross-examine them as well.
Whether the ticket is a petty offense or an aggravated one, it’s important to have an experienced lawyer in your corner. Many people don’t consider traffic violations serious, but they can negatively impact your driving record and insurance rates. In some cases, a traffic violation can even lead to a license suspension. A Chicago traffic ticket lawyer can help you avoid these consequences. He will listen to your story and craft a defense that is geared toward preventing the worst possible outcomes. If the worst is unavoidable, he can represent you in an administrative hearing about your driver’s license suspension or revocation.
Representation in Criminal Court
While traffic violations might seem minor, they can have serious consequences. They can result in hefty fines, points on your record, and even the loss of your license, especially for serious offenses such as DUIs. Losing your license can cause you to lose your job and thus, your ability to provide for yourself and your family.
Traffic tickets are issued for alleged violations of state traffic laws and regulations, as well as city ordinances in Chicago and DuPage County. The charges range from petty (city ordinance violation) to misdemeanor and even felony violations in the most severe cases.
We work hard to keep your traffic ticket off of your record by arguing your case to the judge or to the prosecutor, depending on the severity of your case. We will negotiate for a dismissal or a reduction of the fine, and we will fight to ensure that your record stays clean and your insurance rates don’t rise.