Protecting Your Rights After a Southern Illinois Traffic Violation

Protecting Your Rights After a Southern Illinois Traffic Violation

Many Southern Illinois residents assume that a traffic violation is a minor issue.  In reality, however, these charges can bring consequences that will have a major impact on your life ranging from getting back and forth to work to transporting your children to school or extracurricular activities.

Common Criminal Traffic Violations

A Carbondale resident or student can be charged with many different types of moving and non-moving criminal traffic violations including:

• Speeding
• Running a red light or stop sign
• Driving Under the Influence
• Leaving the Scene of an Accident
• Driving without insurance[1]
• Expired Vehicle Registration
• Driving While License Suspended
• Drag Racing
• Seat belt/child restraint violations

Traffic offenses can range from very minor to very serious. Most minor traffic offenses are considered infractions, and they are not criminal violations of the law. Usually, these types of violations carry relatively minor penalties, such as fines, and/or a point on your driving record. Depending on the violation, an Illinois traffic conviction can result in:

• Fines;
• Points on your driving record;
• Suspended license;
• Increased auto insurance rates.

More serious traffic offenses, such as reckless driving, driving under the influence[2], or manslaughter, are charged as crimes and a conviction can involve penalties such as:

• Large fines
• Victim restitution
• Drug or alcohol treatment
• License revocation
• Incarceration

Contact an Experienced Marion Criminal Defense Attorney

A criminal traffic violation is a double edged sword as it can damage your driving record as well as your personal criminal record.  If you have been arrested or charged with an Illinois criminal traffic violation, a full investigation into your case can reveal the defense strategy most appropriate for your situation as well as determine if your rights have been violated in any way. When it comes to Illinois traffic laws, it is important to understand that there are numerous ways that the violation you received may not be your fault. Most criminal traffic violations are based on the proof that the officer on the scene of the crime provides. Many times, the officer does not have sufficient proof.  If you or someone you know has been charged with a crime, it is important to speak to a skilled Southern Illinois criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.  Call today for a free consultation at 618-993-2222. References [1] https://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/vehicles/mandatory_insurance.html [2] http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=062500050K11-501