St. Charles Aggravated Speeding Defense Attorney

Experienced Aggravated Speeding Lawyers Defending Against Criminal Charges for Speeding in St. Charles, Illinois

While many speeding tickets in Illinois are treated as petty offenses, some speeding violations are considered serious enough to warrant criminal charges. Known as aggravated speeding, these offenses occur when a driver exceeds the speed limit by a wide margin. In these situations, a person may face misdemeanor charges that carry the possibility of jail time, as well as large fines and other consequences.

At Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C., our innovative, experienced attorneys have represented clients in well over 20,000 criminal and traffic-related cases over the years. We understand the serious consequences that aggravated speeding charges can have, and we are ready to provide an aggressive, strategic defense to help you protect your driver's license while avoiding jail time or other serious consequences.

What Is Aggravated Speeding?

If a driver is charged with traveling up to 25 miles per hour over the speed limit, they will usually be issued a traffic ticket. However, speeding by more than 25 miles per hour can result in criminal charges for aggravated speeding. There are two levels of aggravated speeding charges in Illinois:

• Speeding 26 to 34 MPH Over the Posted Limit: This is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail and a maximum fine of $1,500.
• Speeding 35 MPH or More Over the Posted Limit: This is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 364 days in jail and fines of up to $2,500.

These charges often occur on highways, rural roads, or other locations where drivers are more likely to exceed speed limits by a wide margin. Law enforcement officers frequently use radar, LIDAR, or other equipment to measure the speed of vehicles, and they will often wait in "speed traps" where drivers may not realize how fast they are traveling.

Aggravating Factors and Related Charges

In some cases, aggravated speeding may be charged alongside other traffic offenses, which can increase the seriousness of the situation due to additional penalties. These related charges may include:

• Reckless Driving: If speeding is combined with dangerous behaviors, such as weaving through traffic or failing to yield, the driver may also be charged with reckless driving due to the risk that they could injure other people. Reckless driving is a Class A misdemeanor.
• Driving Without a Valid License: If a person's driver's license had been suspended or revoked, they may face misdemeanor charges for driving on a suspended license in addition to aggravated speeding..
• Child Endangerment: If a minor was a passenger in the vehicle during the offense, prosecutors may pursue more severe penalties or enhanced sentencing due to the potential risk of harm to the child.
• Aggravated Speeding in School Zones or Construction Zones: Stricter penalties will often apply if a person exceeded the speed limit in an area with a reduced speed limit.

Defense Strategies for Aggravated Speeding Charges

At Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C., we can work with you to develop a customized defense strategy based on the unique facts of your case. Depending on the circumstances, our attorneys may use the following approaches:

• Challenging the Accuracy of the Speed Measurement: Speed-detecting devices used by police must be properly calibrated and operated according to specific standards. We can help determine whether equipment was functioning correctly and whether the officer was properly trained.
• Questioning the Officer's Observations: In cases where aggravated speeding charges were not based on the use of speed-detecting technology, we can demonstrate that an officer's visual estimates or judgments may have been flawed.
• Arguing Necessity or Emergency: In some cases, drivers may be able to argue that they exceeded the speed limit to respond to an emergency, such as a medical situation. We can help present evidence showing that you had a valid reason for speeding.
• Negotiating for Reduced Charges or Court Supervision: If you are a first-time offender or have a clean driving record, we may negotiate to have the charge reduced to a petty speeding offense, or we may request court supervision, which will allow you to avoid a conviction if you meet certain conditions.

Our team will work to help you avoid jail time and reduce the fines you may be required to pay. We will also help minimize the long-term consequences that could affect you while protecting your driver's license.

Contact Our St. Charles, IL Aggravated Speeding Defense Lawyers

Aggravated speeding charges are more serious than most traffic tickets, and legal representation will usually be needed in these situations to help avoid a criminal conviction. At Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C., we will help you achieve the best possible results in your case. Contact our firm and schedule a free consultation by calling us at 630-786-6062.