St. Charles Construction Zone Violation Lawyers

Dedicated Construction Zone Violation Attorneys Representing Clients in St. Charles, Illinois

Road construction zones can be hazardous for both workers and people in vehicles. Construction workers can suffer serious harm if they are struck by vehicles, and drivers or passengers may be injured in accidents caused by roads that are undergoing repair, unfamiliar traffic patterns, inadequate signage, or other hazardous conditions. To protect workers and others who may be injured in accidents, increased penalties will often apply for traffic offenses that take place in designated construction areas.

While many construction zone infractions may result in higher fines and license penalties, certain violations can lead to criminal charges, especially when they involve reckless behavior, excessive speeding, texting while driving, or causing injury to others. People charged with these offenses will need to understand their options for defense.

The skilled, experienced lawyers at Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C. understand how a single mistake in a construction zone can escalate into a misdemeanor or felony charge. We know how important it is to protect your driving privileges and your record. Our team works with clients in St. Charles and throughout Kane County and other counties in the Chicago area to build strong legal defenses and help our clients achieve the best possible outcome in these cases.

Understanding Construction Zone Traffic Laws in Illinois

Construction zones may include any areas where workers are present or where signs or barriers indicate that road work is being performed. Drivers are required to reduce their speed in these zones, and they must obey all posted signage. They are also required to yield to construction workers, vehicles, and equipment.

Exceeding posted speed limits in a construction zone can lead to higher fines than would apply for other types of speeding violations. Other violations could potentially lead to criminal charges, especially in situations where construction workers were put at risk of harm. These offenses include:

• Aggravated Speeding in a Construction Zone: Drivers who exceed the posted construction zone speed limit by more than 25 miles per hour will face misdemeanor charges. Driving 26 to 34 miles per hour over a construction zone speed limit is a Class B misdemeanor, and speeding by at least 35 miles per hour is a Class A misdemeanor.
• Texting or Using an Electronic Device While Driving: Illinois law prohibits the use of hand-held electronic devices while driving. Violations that occur in a construction zone can result in more serious consequences, especially if they contribute to an accident. Being involved in an accident in which someone was injured or killed can result in charges of aggravated use of a wireless telephone. In situations where an accident caused a construction worker to be seriously injured or permanently disabled, a person may be charged with a Class A misdemeanor. If a construction worker was killed, Class 4 felony charges may apply.
• Failure to Yield: Drivers are legally required to yield to construction vehicles, flaggers, and road workers. If a driver fails to yield and causes an accident that results in injury or property damage, they may face charges of reckless driving. In addition to the criminal penalties that will apply following a conviction, a person's driver's license may be suspended for 180 days to two years if they are accused of causing an injury, and a two-year suspension may apply if they are accused of causing an accident that resulted in a construction worker's death.

Protecting Your License and Your Future

A criminal conviction for a construction zone violation can affect your insurance rates and your professional opportunities, along with penalties that may include large fines and jail time. If you are a commercial driver, your commercial driver's license (CDL) may be affected, which could limit your ability to maintain employment and earn an income. At Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C., we will work to help you minimize the consequences that may affect your life. We will negotiate agreements that may allow for reduced charges and penalties, and when necessary, we will defend your rights in court.

Contact Our St. Charles, IL Construction Zone Violation Defense Attorneys

If you have been charged with aggravated speeding, texting while driving, reckless driving, or another offense in a construction zone, you need an experienced defense lawyer on your side to contest these charges and help you minimize the penalties you may face. At Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C., we have decades of experience handling criminal traffic matters, and we are ready to help you. To set up your free consultation, contact us at 630-786-6062.