Belleville Traffic Violations Lawyer

Traffic violations may not seem like a big deal, but what many Belleville residents don’t realize is that they may face serious consequences. Some traffic violations in Illinois are charged as felonies, and that can come with prison sentences that put you behind bars for years. Reckless driving actions that cause harm to someone else, leaving the scene of a fatal accident, or driving on a revoked license are major offenses, and without a Belleville traffic violations lawyer, you may face the worst penalties.

The Conner Law Firm defends serious traffic charges in Belleville and St. Clair County, protecting your driving privileges and keeping traffic violations from becoming felony convictions. Make your first call to Erin K. Conner, a former prosecutor whose knowledge from the other side is instrumental to your defense.

Traffic Charges

Illinois reckless driving charges and penalties can be an extremely serious scenario that puts your future and freedom at risk. Many people are surprised to learn that what they thought would be a traffic ticket turns out to be felony charges punishable with prison time. You might know you need a DUI defense lawyer in Belleville if you’ve been accused of drinking and driving, but you’ll most certainly need a Belleville traffic violations attorney for any of the following traffic charges:

Aggravated Reckless Driving

Aggravated reckless driving is a Class 4 felony, punishable with 1 to 3 years in prison. If you are charged with causing great bodily harm or disfigurement, the charges are upgraded to a Class 3 felony with between 2 to 5 years of prison. When aggravated reckless driving harms a child or a school guard that results in bodily harm, permanent disability, or disfigurement, it is also a Class 3 felony.

Leaving the Scene of an Accident

Illinois law requires anyone in a car accident to remain on the scene and exchange information. Leaving the scene of an accident after causing someone else injury is charged either as a Class 2 or Class 4 felony. It will depend on the severity of injuries sustained by the victim.

Leaving the scene of an accident that has resulted in someone’s death is a Class 1 felony. If convicted, you’d be sentenced to 4 to 15 years in prison for this offense.

Driving on Suspended/Revoked License (625 ILCS 5/6-303)

Those who have had their driver’s licenses suspended or revoked should not be behind the wheel. If you are pulled over and issued this charge under 625 ILCS 5/6-303, you may be in for a Class A misdemeanor or felonies as Class 4 or Class 3. The wide potential for punishment here depends on whether you have any prior convictions and the reason behind your original license suspension.

When you’re facing traffic violation charges, it can feel overwhelming, especially if you didn’t realize that you could spend time in prison for these violations. With Erin on your side, you’ll have strong defense to counter these charges and protect your criminal history from having permanent records.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Call (618) 277-2421 or contact the office online to schedule your initial consultation.

Defense Strategies

After being arrested for any of these traffic violations, the first thing to do is call The Conner Law Firm to get the strongest defense possible in your corner. With a Belleville traffic violations lawyer who understands how the prosecution works, you’ll have someone to take an aggressive stance against the state’s charges.

Challenge the Definition of “Reckless”

If you are facing reckless driving charges, the entire premise of this violation is that a defendant was behaving with wanton disregard for safety. Evidence may show that contrary to the prosecution’s plan, you were not deliberately disregarding the safety of others.

Lack of Knowledge

An overwhelming number of people have suspended licenses and do not know. You may have somehow missed a toll or a clerical error could have resulted in a suspension you were unaware of. If you don’t know your license is suspended, how can you get it back in good standing? This is a strong defense for charges involving suspended licenses.

Identity Defense

Were you actually driving the vehicle at the time reckless driving was charged? The prosecution needs to prove you were guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If there is any doubt that you were the one behind the wheel, the charges could be dismissed.

When the evidence against you is solid, it’s not a lost cause. The Conner Law Firm will negotiate to get your charges reduced or for court supervision instead of time in prison. If you successfully complete your court supervision sentence, this incident will not become a part of your permanent record.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is reckless driving a felony in Illinois?

Reckless driving is most often charged as a Class A misdemeanor in Illinois, which may provide up to 364 days in jail along with $2,500 in fines if convicted. When reckless driving causes someone else great bodily harm, disfigurement, or permanent disability, the charges become more serious as a Class 4 felony. If there are aggravating factors, such as causing bodily harm to a child or a school crossing guard who is on-duty, you will face a Class 3 felony.

What happens if I leave the scene of an accident in Illinois?

If you leave the scene of a car accident in Illinois, it is a huge risk that could potentially put you in prison for up to 7 years. You’ll have a criminal record and have your license revoked, making it essential to work with a driver’s license reinstatement attorney.

However, the punishments vary depending on the circumstances of the accident. If you only cause property damage, such as hitting a parked car, and then leave, you could face a Class A misdemeanor that puts you behind bars in jail for up to 364 days with up to $2,500 in fines. When the accident hurts another person or someone dies, you will face a Class 4 felony with between 1 and 3 years in prison, though you could be issued a higher felony class. Enhanced penalties are also possible if you leave the scene of a crash that resulted in injuries and do not report what happened.

Contact The Conner Law Firm

Traffic crimes are likely more serious than you realized, and now that you’re facing major penalties, it is time to get a Belleville criminal defense attorney on your side. The Conner Law Firm defends serious traffic charges in Belleville and St. Clair County, protecting your driving privileges and keeping traffic violations from becoming felony convictions.

Get the traffic defense you need today to prevent having a permanent record for these charges. Call 618-277-2421 for a free consultation to discuss your traffic defense.