Examining the Consequences of a Reckless Driving Charge

 Posted on January 26, 2020 in Traffic Violations

In the state of Illinois, law enforcement officials are always on the lookout for drivers failing to adhere to the state’s driving laws. People are pulled over every day for minor offenses such as failing to come to a complete stop at a stop sign or driving over the speed limit. In the vast majority of instances, the driver will only receive a ticket for a violation and amass points against their driving record. While three minor traffic violations in one year can result in a license suspension, there are some offenses that come with more significant ramifications. A reckless driving charge is one of the most serious violations in Illinois.

What is Reckless Driving?

Illinois law defines reckless driving as the operation of a vehicle with willful disregard for safety and property. The most common forms of reckless driving include driving at speeds of 25 miles per hour or more over the legal speed limit, aggressively tailgating other drivers, illegally passing vehicles, and disregarding traffic signs. Drivers can also be charged with reckless driving if they attempt to use an incline in the roadway to cause the vehicle to become airborne. It should be noted that there are a number of factors that will ultimately dictate whether a driver is likely to be charged with reckless driving. These factors include the time of day, the driver’s intent, weather conditions, and the presence of other vehicles.

The Consequences of Reckless Driving

In Illinois, reckless driving can come with significant legal consequences. If a driver is charged with reckless driving, they will face a Class A misdemeanor, up to one year in jail, and fines as high as $2,500. Outside of the fine and jail time, a conviction of this magnitude can impact your ability to secure employment opportunities, and result in rises in your motor vehicle insurance payments. There are also a number of factors that can lead to the charge being elevated to a felony charge. Most notably, if your reckless driving results in bodily harm to a child or a school crossing guard, the charge will be elevated to a Class 4 felony. In these instances, you can be fined as much as $25,000 and face one to three years in prison.

Contact a Naperville Reckless Driving Attorney

Recognizing the way in which a reckless driving charge can impact a person’s life, Attorney Patricia Magaña is dedicated to doing everything in her power to help her clients avoid a conviction. With years of criminal defense experience, Attorney Magaña will develop a comprehensive defense strategy designed to avoid a conviction. If you have been charged with reckless driving, it is important to understand that this is not a minor traffic violation. To schedule a free consultation with a knowledgeable Will County criminal defense attorney, call us today at 630-448-2001.

Sources:

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=062500050K11-503