St. Charles, IL School Zone Violation Attorneys

Skilled School Zone Violation Lawyers Defending Clients in St. Charles, Illinois

Traffic violations committed in school zones are treated very seriously under Illinois law. Because these areas are designed to protect children who may be crossing streets, walking near traffic, or boarding buses, courts impose stricter penalties on drivers who fail to follow safety regulations in or near school zones. A driver accused of speeding, texting, failing to stop for a school bus, or causing injury in a school zone may face not only fines and license penalties, but also criminal charges.

The experienced, tenacious lawyers at Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C. have been working for decades to help our clients resolve cases involving traffic offenses and other types of charges. We understand how quickly a seemingly minor traffic stop in a school zone can escalate into a serious legal matter. We work with clients in St. Charles and the surrounding areas to protect their rights, challenge unjust charges, and avoid life-altering consequences.

Why School Zone Violations Are Treated More Seriously

School zones are designated areas around public or private schools where reduced speed limits and additional traffic laws apply during certain hours or when children are present. These zones are typically marked with flashing signs explaining the hours when reduced speed limits are in effect. In most cases, the speed limits in school zones while children are present will be 20 miles per hour. These speed limits are enforced by local law enforcement agencies, and police officers will be watching for drivers who may act unsafely and put children or others at risk of harm.

Because children are less predictable and more vulnerable to suffering serious injuries when they are struck by vehicles, traffic laws are strictly enforced in school zones. Violations may result in enhanced fines, driver's license suspension, or criminal charges, particularly when a child is placed at risk or harmed due to a driver's actions.

Common Traffic Offenses in School Zones

Some of the charges that drivers may face if they are accused of committing traffic violations in school zones include:

• Speeding in a School Zone: Violations of school zone speed limits can result in high fines, community service, and other penalties. Aggravated speeding in a school zone, which may apply if a driver is accused of exceeding the speed limit by at least 26 miles per hour, can lead to misdemeanor charges, and a conviction carries the possibility of jail time.
• Failure to Stop for a School Bus: Failing to stop for a school bus that is loading or unloading children can result in penalties that include fines and the suspension of a person's driver's license. A person accused of injuring a child while committing this offense may face criminal charges, and a conviction may lead to thousands of dollars in fines and the possibility of jail time.
• Texting While Driving in a School Zone: Using a handheld electronic device while driving in a school zone is prohibited under Illinois law. Drivers may be charged with an offense if they are observed texting or browsing on a phone, holding a phone to make or receive calls, playing games, using social media apps, or looking up directions. While this offense may be considered a traffic infraction, a person who is involved in an accident involving a child pedestrian or another vehicle may face criminal charges. An accident involving serious injuries may result in Class A misdemeanor charges, and a person may be charged with a Class 4 felony if someone was killed in a collision.
• Failure to Yield Leading to Injury to a Child or Crossing Guard: Drivers are required to stop when crossing guards escort children across the street. Failure to yield to a crossing guard can result in charges of reckless driving. If an offense led to injuries to a child or a crossing guard, a person may be charged with a Class 4 felony offense.

Defending Clients Against School Zone Charges

At Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C., we understand the challenges that you may face if you have been accused of a school zone violation. We are committed to protecting your rights and helping you resolve your case while minimizing your penalties. We will take a detailed approach, examining whether:

• Proper signs were posted that clearly marked the school zone
• Children were actually present at the time of the alleged offense
• Radar or speed detection equipment was functioning properly
• Police officers followed the proper procedures when performing a traffic stop or an arrest
• You were using a hands-free device or engaging in other permissible activities

When possible, we will work to have the charges against you dismissed or reduced. We may request court supervision or other options that will help you avoid a conviction. When you are facing misdemeanor or felony charges, we will advocate for you in the courtroom and explore all available defenses to help protect your future.

Contact Our St. Charles, Illinois School Zone Violation Defense Lawyers

The team at Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C. is ready to provide you with a personalized defense against school zone violations. Contact our office today by calling 630-786-6062 to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help with your case.