What Is Reckless Driving in Illinois?

 Posted on May 07, 2024 in Traffic Violations

Reckless driving is common in Illinois, though that does not make it any less dangerous. Illinois law has a specific definition for reckless driving, and people charged with reckless driving may face prison time or fines, depending on the circumstances. If you are facing a reckless driving charge, it is important to reach out to an Illinois reckless driving defense lawyer for guidance.

Illinois Reckless Driving Laws and Consequences

Under Illinois law, reckless driving is when a driver either drives with a “willful or wanton disregard” for safety or operates his or her vehicle when approaching an incline in a way that causes the vehicle to become airborne.

Common types of reckless driving behavior include the following:

• Excessive speeding
• Tailgating
• Weaving in and out between lanes
• Drag racing
• Ignoring traffic signals and running red lights or stop signs
• Brake checking other cars or braking suddenly

Illinois classifies reckless driving as a Class A misdemeanor, something that carries a sentence of up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. However, these charges may increase in certain circumstances.

If an injury or death occurs due to reckless driving, the charge is considered aggravated reckless driving, which is a Class 4 felony. This charge carries a prison sentence of one to three years plus fines of up to $25,000. Additionally, if a child is killed or injured due to aggravated reckless driving, the charge becomes a Class 3 felony, which has a prison sentence of five to ten years plus fines of up to $25,000.

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Reckless Driving Charge?

Reckless driving is not a charge that you should face alone, as any type of criminal charge can create a lasting impact on your criminal record and affect your future. If you have been arrested for reckless driving, you will need to contact an experienced reckless driving defense attorney as soon as possible. Your lawyer will work with you to create a defense and minimize the impact of a reckless driving charge on your record as much as possible.

Contact a Naperville, IL Reckless Driving Defense Attorney

Dealing with a reckless driving charge is complex, as there are often many factors that surround these cases. Make sure you have a Will County, IL reckless driving defense lawyer on your side as you navigate this charge.

Attorney Patricia Magaña is highly skilled and experienced in defending clients facing various traffic violations. She will explore every possibility to help reduce the impact of a reckless driving charge on your record. Call Law Office of Patricia Magaña, LLC at 630-448-2001 for a free consultation.