St. Charles, Illinois Traffic Crimes Attorneys

Knowledgeable Traffic Crimes Lawyers Defending Individuals in St. Charles

While many traffic violations result in fines or points on your driving record, others can lead to criminal charges that carry serious consequences. In Illinois, certain traffic offenses may be classified as misdemeanors or felonies, which may result in jail time, steep fines, and a permanent criminal record. Being charged with a traffic crime can have a long-term impact on your employment, insurance rates, and mobility, especially if you drive professionally.

At Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C., our innovative lawyers have worked with clients for decades to address traffic offenses and other types of charges. We have helped thousands of clients resolve their cases successfully. We represent clients facing a wide range of traffic offenses, from first-time misdemeanor charges to complex matters involving injuries or fatalities. Our goal is to protect your rights, preserve your driving privileges, and minimize the consequences of a traffic-related arrest.

When a Traffic Violation Becomes a Crime

Illinois law distinguishes between petty offenses (such as minor speeding tickets) and criminal traffic offenses, which may be charged as misdemeanors or felonies. A traffic violation may lead to criminal charges when an offense allegedly involved reckless or dangerous behavior, when someone else was injured or killed, or when a violation took place in a protected area. Convictions for criminal traffic offenses can result in incarceration, long-term license suspensions or revocations, and a lasting mark on your criminal and driving record.

Reckless Driving

Accusations of operating a vehicle in a dangerous manner while willfully disregarding the safety of others can lead to reckless driving charges. Common examples of this offense include weaving through traffic, excessive speeding, or road rage behavior. While reckless driving is usually charged as a Class A misdemeanor, it can be elevated to a felony in cases involving serious injuries.

Aggravated Speeding

Illinois law classifies speeding 26 mph or more over the limit as a criminal offense. Aggravated speeding may be charged as either a Class B or Class A misdemeanor based on the actual speed involved. A conviction may result in jail time, license suspension, and a permanent criminal record.

Driving With a Suspended or Revoked License

A driver's license may be suspended for a variety of reasons, but those who drive without a valid license may face criminal charges. Driving on a suspended license may result in Class A misdemeanor charges for a first offense, but the charge may be elevated to a Class 4 felony if a license was suspended because of a conviction for reckless homicide or DUI resulting in someone's death.

Texting While Driving

Using an electronic device while driving is typically charged as a moving violation, but an offense may become a crime if it leads to an accident. Texting and driving is a Class A misdemeanor if it results in bodily harm, and Class 4 felony charges may apply in situations where someone was killed in an accident.

Construction Zone Violations

Traffic offenses committed in construction zones carry enhanced penalties, including larger fines and the possibility of a license suspension. However, construction zone violations may result in criminal charges in cases where road construction workers or other parties are injured or killed due to these violations.

School Zone Violations

Traffic laws in school zones are strictly enforced to protect children. Lower speed limits will apply on school days when children are present, and drivers are prohibited from using handheld phones or electronic devices. School zone violations involving injuries or deaths of children or crossing guards will typically result in criminal charges.

Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Violations

CDL holders face stricter rules and more severe consequences for traffic offenses. Multiple serious violations, such as reckless driving or improper lane changes, can result in a temporary CDL disqualification. Major offenses such as DUI or leaving the scene of an accident could lead to a lifetime disqualification. CDL violations may result in criminal charges in some cases, such as when a person is accused of using a commercial vehicle to commit a felony.

Contact Our St. Charles, IL Traffic Charges Defense Lawyers

At Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C., we work to help clients who have been charged with traffic offenses avoid jail time, protect their records, and minimize disruptions to their daily lives and employment. We bring decades of experience and a proven track record of success to every case we handle. Take steps to protect your license and avoid a criminal conviction by calling our office at 630-786-6062 or contacting us online and setting up a free consultation.