Text a photo of your traffic ticket

Contact Me Today

DuPage County Major Traffic Violations Attorney Michael Stefanos Can Help Fight Charges

Just because it is a traffic ticket does not mean you shouldn’t take it seriously. Traffic violations can result in the suspension of your driver’s license, jail time, and heavy fines. If you have been ticketed for a traffic offense and want to discuss the potential ramifications, DuPage County major traffic violations attorney can help you find the way forward.

Missed Court Date

People miss their court dates for various reasons—they misunderstood what they were supposed to do, forgot about their court date, or had something that came up that took precedence. Unfortunately, missing your court date can worsen your situation, even if it was only for a minor traffic violation.

If you fail to appear on your court date, two things can happen:

  1. The judge can find you guilty of the violation in your absence or
  2. The judge can continue your case for at least another 30 days and notify you of the new court date.

If the judge exercises the second option and you do not appear, your driver’s license may be suspended under 625 ILCS 5/6-308. Furthermore, your license will not be reinstated until you have resolved the violation, including paying fines.

Whether you have missed your first or a subsequent court date, a DuPage County major traffic violations attorney can explain the penalties you are facing and help you understand your options.

Driving on a Suspended or Revoked License

Under 625 ILCS 5/6-303, driving on a revoked or suspended license is a Class A misdemeanor. This means that, if convicted, you face up to 364 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. However, it can also be charged as a felony in certain circumstances, such as if your license was suspended as a result of a DUI charge. If you have been charged for driving on a suspended or revoked license, a DuPage County major traffic violations attorney can help you minimize the damage to your future.

Fleeing and Eluding

If you do not pull over and stop when directed by the police, you can be charged with fleeing and eluding. You could face this charge even if you were unaware that the police were attempting to pull you over, if someone else was driving the car, or if you could not stop due to an emergency situation.

Unfortunately, you can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor under 625 ILCS 5/11-204, meaning that you could face up to one year in jail and a fine of $2,500, in addition to whatever else the police may have charged you with. However, fleeing and eluding can also be charged as a felony in many circumstances, such as driving 21 miles per hour over the speed limit. The severity of the consequences you face can increase dramatically, which is why it is critical for you to work with a DuPage County major traffic violations attorney to ensure that you get a fair outcome.

Reckless driving

Reckless driving is charged when the police believe that you were driving with intention and disregard for the safety of others or property. It can also be charged if the police believe that you intended for your vehicle to become airborne. It is a Class A misdemeanor under 625 ILCS 5/11-503, but you could face a Class 4 felony charge if you are charged with aggravated reckless driving. This means that you could face 1 to 3 years in prison and fines of up to $25,000. If you have prior convictions for reckless driving, your driving privileges may be revoked.

Illegal Transportation of Alcohol

Illinois’s open container law is 625 ILCS 5/11-502, transportation or possession of alcoholic liquor in a motor vehicle. Under this law, the police can charge both the driver and passengers for having an open container of alcohol anywhere within the passenger compartment of the vehicle. While you may not face jail time, it is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000. If you are under 21 years old, your license will be suspended for 12 months. For those who are over 21 years old, your license could be suspended or even revoked if you have prior convictions.

Unlawful Transportation or Possession of Cannabis by Driver or Passenger

625 ILCS 5/11-502.15 requires that both recreational and medical cannabis products in a motor vehicle must be transported by both the driver or the passenger in a sealed, child-resistant, odor-proof container. Failure to do so is a Class A misdemeanor. You could also be charged with illegal possession of marijuana if you did not legally purchase it. Whether charged with unlawful transportation or possession, you could face potential jail time and fines. In addition, your driver’s license could be suspended for up to 12 months. Those with prior convictions for unlawful transportation or possession of marijuana face possible revocation of their license.

Minor Offenses, Harsh Penalties

Even seemingly “petty” violations can carry serious consequences. You may not be facing jail time, but you may have to pay a fine of up to $1,000 and risk probation, suspension or revocation of your driver’s license, and other penalties. We strongly recommend that you contact a DuPage County major traffic violations attorney if you have received a ticket for any of the following offenses:

Don’t plead guilty just to “take care of it.” Get the guidance you need by talking to a DuPage County major traffic violations attorney.

Contact DuPage County Major Traffic Violations Attorney Michael Stefanos Today

There is no time to lose if you have been ticketed for a major traffic violation. Contact us today via phone or email to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case and how we can help.

We represent clients all over DuPage County, including Addison, Aurora, Bartlett, Bensenville, Bloomingdale, Bolingbrook, Burr Ridge, Carol Stream, Clarendon Hills, Darien, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn, Glendale Heights, Itasca, Lemont, Lisle, Naperville, Oak Brook, Oakbrook Terrace, Roselle, Schaumburg, St. Charles, Villa Park, Warrenville, Wayne Chicago, West Chicago, Westmont, Wheaton, Willowbrook, Winfield, Wood Dale, and Woodridge.

Schedule a Consultation

DUI & Traffic