St. Charles Aggravated Speeding Defense Attorney

Aggressive CDL Violation Attorneys Helping Commercial Drivers Defend Against Traffic Offenses in St. Charles, Illinois

For those who drive commercial vehicles for work, a traffic violation is far more than a minor inconvenience—it can threaten a person's livelihood. In Illinois, CDL holders are held to higher legal and safety standards than non-commercial drivers. A single mistake behind the wheel can result in serious penalties, including some offenses that occurred while driving a personal vehicle. Repeat violations or any involvement in a major traffic-related offense may lead to criminal charges, the loss of a job, and long-term damage to a person's professional driving career.

At Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C., our tenacious attorneys have been representing clients in traffic and criminal cases since 1986. We have helped truck drivers, bus drivers, delivery vehicle operators, and other commercial drivers protect their CDLs and fight back against violations. We understand how essential your license is to your income and your future, and we are committed to providing you with the legal defense you need to resolve these matters successfully.

How Traffic Violations Can Impact CDL Holders in Illinois

Illinois law, along with federal motor carrier safety regulations, divides CDL violations into two main categories: serious traffic violations and major offenses. The type and number of violations can determine the consequences a commercial driver may face, which may include temporary disqualification of a CDL or permanent loss of the ability to drive commercial vehicles.

Serious Traffic Violations

A serious traffic violation may not be a felony, but it can still jeopardize your CDL if you are charged with one of these offenses while operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). These violations include:

• Speeding by 15 miles per hour or more
• Improper or erratic lane changes
• Following too closely
• Driving a CMV without a valid CDL
• Texting or using an electronic device while driving
• Reckless driving

Two serious violations within a three-year period will result in your CDL being disqualified for 60 days. Three violations within three years will lead to a 120-day disqualification. In some cases, violations that took place while driving a non-commercial vehicle may still count toward a CDL disqualification if they would result in the suspension of a person's non-commercial driver's license.

Major Traffic Violations

Major violations are more severe, and they often involve situations where people may be injured or where a person may be charged with a criminal offense. They can lead to long-term or lifetime CDL disqualification, even after a first offense. Major violations include:

• DUI while operating either a commercial or personal vehicle
• Refusing to submit to a chemical test when arrested by a police officer on suspicion of intoxicated driving
• Leaving the scene of an accident
• Using a vehicle in the commission of a felony
• Causing someone's death through negligent or criminal operation of a CMV
• Driving a CMV with a suspended or revoked CDL

In most cases, a major violation will result in a one-year CDL disqualification for a first offense, and a second offense will result in a lifetime disqualification. The disqualification period for a first offense increases to three years if a violation took place while a person was driving a CMV and carrying hazardous materials. A first offense will result in a lifetime disqualification if a violation involved using a commercial vehicle to commit a felony drug crime.

Criminal Charges for CDL Holders

Many traffic offenses that may impact commercial drivers are classified as criminal offenses in Illinois. These may include:

• Reckless driving, which is a Class A misdemeanor
• Driving on a suspended license, which is a Class A misdemeanor
• Aggravated speeding, which may be a Class B or Class A misdemeanor depending on the speed
• Leaving the scene of an accident, which may be a Class A misdemeanor or a felony depending on whether injuries occurred
• Driving under the influence (DUI), which is a Class A misdemeanor for a first or second offense and a felony for subsequent offenses

Convictions for these offenses may lead to jail time, permanent criminal records, court-ordered probation, and other penalties. A criminal record can also have professional consequences, since employers may be unwilling to hire a commercial driver who has been convicted of traffic offenses in the past.

Contact Our St. Charles CDL Traffic Violation Defense Attorneys

When you are facing traffic violations or criminal charges as a commercial driver, do not wait to seek legal counsel. At Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C., we understand what is at stake, and we will fight to protect your CDL, your record, and your future. Contact our office and arrange a free consultation by calling 630-786-6062.