St. Charles, IL Reckless Driving Lawyers

Respected Reckless Driving Attorneys Advocating for Clients in St. Charles, Illinois

While some traffic violations can result in tickets, others are serious enough that they may lead to criminal charges. Reckless driving is a serious traffic offense in Illinois that goes far beyond a routine speeding ticket. A person convicted of this offense may face jail time, a permanent criminal record, and other consequences, such as increased insurance premiums. For drivers in St. Charles and throughout Kane County, being charged with reckless driving requires immediate legal attention and a strong defense strategy.

At Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C., our tenacious lawyers have represented clients in thousands of criminal and traffic-related cases since 1986. We understand the legal, professional, and personal consequences a reckless driving conviction can bring, and we work closely with clients to protect their rights and minimize the impact of these charges.

What Is Considered Reckless Driving in Illinois?

Under Illinois law, reckless driving may include any situation in which someone operates a motor vehicle in a dangerous manner and ignores the risks their actions pose to the safety of other people or their property. These charges may apply if a driver is accused of knowingly engaging in dangerous behavior that poses a significant risk to others.

Unlike some traffic offenses that are based strictly on speed or violations of traffic laws, reckless driving charges may be based on the subjective opinions of law enforcement officers who believed that a person willfully put others at risk. Reckless driving may cover a wide range of actions, including:

• Excessive speeding in areas where other people may be more likely to be injured, such as residential neighborhoods or school zones
• Swerving through traffic or making frequent lane changes at high speeds
• Running red lights or stop signs
• Street racing or drag racing on public roads
• Driving on sidewalks or medians
• Aggressively tailgating behind other vehicles or engaging in "road rage" behavior
• Performing stunts or dangerous maneuvers with a vehicle, such as using a railroad crossing as a ramp and causing a vehicle to become airborne
• Fleeing from law enforcement or attempting to evade a traffic stop

In some cases, an officer may charge a driver with reckless driving based on a single action. In others, charges may be based on several traffic violations that show a disregard for public safety.

Penalties for Reckless Driving in Illinois

Reckless driving is usually charged as a Class A misdemeanor, which is the most serious misdemeanor classification in Illinois. Potential penalties include a sentence of up to 364 days in jail and fines of up to $2,500. Depending on how many points a person has on their driver's license, their driver's license could be suspended or revoked. A conviction will also result in a criminal record that usually will not be eligible for expungement.

Certain circumstances can elevate a reckless driving charge to aggravated reckless driving, which may be prosecuted as a felony offense. Causing great bodily harm to another person while driving recklessly is a Class 4 felony, which could lead to a prison sentence of one to three years. If reckless driving in a school zone resulted in injuries to a child or a crossing guard, Class 4 felony charges may apply, and if these injuries were life-threatening or led to permanent disabilities or disfigurement, the offense may be elevated to a Class 3 felony. A Class 3 felony conviction may lead to a sentence of two to five years in prison.

Reckless Driving Defense

Charges of reckless driving are not always supported by clear or objective evidence. At Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C., our lawyers will carefully review the facts of each case, looking at police reports, traffic camera footage, dash cam video, and witness testimony. Depending on the circumstances, we may argue:

• The driving behavior did not meet the legal definition of "willful or wanton disregard for safety"
• The officer's observations were inaccurate or subjective
• There were external factors (such as a mechanical failure or road condition) that contributed to the incident
• The driver was reacting to an emergency or acting to avoid a hazard
• The charge should be reduced to a lesser offense, such as improper lane usage or speeding

Contact Our St. Charles Reckless Driving Defense Attorneys

You should not take charges of reckless driving lightly. A criminal conviction can follow you for years, affecting multiple parts of your life and limiting your future opportunities. The attorneys at Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C. are ready to provide the defense you need. Set up your free consultation by contacting us at 630-786-6062.