As of January 1, 2016, Illinois is toughening its speeding laws once again. This time, the legislature has created the offense of aggravated special speed limit.
Aggravated special speed limit applies to school and construction zones. If you drive 26 to 35 miles over the limit in a school or construction zone, you can be charged with a Class B Misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail. Speeding more than 35 miles an hour is a Class A Misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail. Both offenses carry fines, and you may not be eligible for supervision. Supervision is technically not a conviction and thus may have a different effect on your car insurance.
Under the new law, you also may not receive supervision if you were speeding more than 26 miles over the limit in an urban district. Otherwise, you may have supervision on a first offense, but not on later offenses.
If you are charged with speeding, DUI or another offense, contact an experienced attorney immediately. An attorney may review your case for your best possible defense. If the police acted improperly, the attorney may be able to petition the court to suppress the arrest. Even if the police acted properly and the evidence against you is overwhelming, an attorney who is respected in the courthouse may be able to negotiate a more favorable plea agreement than you could on your own.
If you have questions about this or another related Illinois criminal or traffic matter, please contact Matt Keenan at 847-568-0160 or email matt@mattkeenanlaw.com.
Source: Special Speed Limit Public Act.
(Besides Skokie, Matt Keenan also serves the communities of Arlington Heights, Chicago, Deerfield, Des Plaines, Evanston, Glenview, Morton Grove, Mount Prospect, Niles, Northbrook, Park Ridge, Rolling Meadows, Wilmette and Winnetka.)
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Illinois Jurisprudence: Criminal Law and Procedure. Vol. 1. (LexisNexis 2014).
Illinois Jurisprudence: Criminal Law and Procedure. Vol. 1. (LexisNexis 2014).