Why Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer to Fight a Traffic Ticket?

 Posted on March 25, 2021 in Traffic Violations

If you have received a traffic ticket for failing to stop at a stop sign or speeding, you may think it is easiest to simply check the ‘guilty’ box on the back of the ticket and pay the fine. However, even if the traffic violation will not result in a conviction on your driving record, you should not immediately concede that you are guilty. There are many ways a DuPage County criminal defense lawyer can help you fight the traffic ticket, and you will realize many benefits when working with one.

Avoid High Fines and Possible Jail Time

While a traffic violation may seem like a minor offense, there are times when one could result in very high fines and possibly even jail time. For example, if you are charged with driving 26 to 34 miles per hour over the speed limit, you will face a Class B misdemeanor charge. This type of offense is punishable by a maximum of 180 days in jail and a fine up to $1,500. If you are accused of speeding more than 35 miles per hour over the speed limit, the charge is upgraded to a Class A misdemeanor. This offense is much more serious and carries a sentence of up to one year in jail and a fine of $2,500.

When you work with a criminal defense lawyer, they will know the strategies to use to help you avoid the serious consequences that come with a conviction. For the above offenses specifically, you will also have to attend a court hearing, which is much less intimidating when you have a lawyer by your side.

Avoid High Insurance Premiums

Auto insurance premiums in DuPage County are already very high. If you are convicted of a traffic violation, your insurance premiums may increase dramatically. Even worse, your insurer could cancel your policy, which will not only leave you without auto insurance, but could also make it more difficult to obtain another policy in the future.

Court Supervision Is Not Always an Option

It is easy to assume that if you are charged with a traffic violation, you are eligible for court supervision, which will keep a conviction off your driving record. However, there are many traffic violations that do not qualify for court supervision and so, the only way to keep the offense off of your driving record is to fight the ticket.

Our Illinois Criminal Defense Lawyers Can Fight Against Your Charges

If you have been charged with a traffic violation, do not simply accept that you must pay the fine and have a conviction on your record. At J. Aldrich Law, P.C., our passionate DuPage County criminal defense lawyers have the necessary experience to fight your charges and give you the best chance of success with your case. Call us today at 630-953-3000 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you beat your charges.

Source:

https://ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/documents/062500050K11-1204.htm