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The scene comes at the end of the movie American Graffiti.  Two cars racing side by side, one driven by Harrison Ford with Cindy Williams as passenger.  Harrison’s car loses control, flips over and sets on fire.  Luckily, no one is hurt.   (See the drag racing scene here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqawJzVsvxM.)

In Illinois, Harrison could be charged with a Class A Misdemeanor for the crime of street racing.  Had Cindy Williams been seriously injured or disfigured, Harrison could face charges of aggravated street racing,  a Class 4 felony.  Besides a possible jail or prison sentence, Harrison could be fined and his driver’s license revoked.

If Harrison’s car belonged to a third party who agreed to the street racing, the car’s owner could face a Class B misdemeanor.  A second or later conviction is a Class A misdemeanor.

Besides the street racing depicted in  American Graffiti,  Illinois law also defines street racing as using one or more vehicles to: (1) outdistance another, (2) prevent another vehicle from passing. (3) arrive at a destination ahead of another vehicle, or (4) test a driver’s physical stamina or endurance over long distances.

Street sideshows where you knowingly interfere with traffic are also illegal.  A “street sideshow” is an event in which one or more vehicles blocks traffic  to perform stunts or speed contests.

If you are charged with street racing or a similar offense, contact an experienced attorney immediately.  As with most crimes, the state must prove all the elements of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt.  Can the state prove you were operating the car? If you were the car’s owner, did you have actual knowledge that the driver would use the car for street racing?  Even if 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.

Reference: 625 ILCS 5/11-506 

(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.)

You were driving home from work when you got nailed for speeding. Or maybe you simply blew a stop sign or failed to signal. You wish to contest the ticket, but the court date is set for a time when you will be out of state. Do you have to come to court?

In certain circumstances, the answer is no. While for nearly all criminal offenses, your appearance in court is mandatory, traffic tickets are slightly different. However, it may still depend on your offense.

For most moving violations such as following too closely or speeding less than 31 miles over the limit, you may not need to appear as long as you retain an attorney and give the attorney written authorization to proceed in your absence. An attorney will likely have to make a plea agreement on your behalf, but on occasion, I have gotten tickets dismissed for clients in their absence.

For a speeding ticket, some courts will require you to appear in person.  Other courts will allow you to authorize an attorney to appear on your behalf.

If one of your tickets is for no proof of insurance, and you had insurance or got late compliance insurance, you can provide the proof to your attorney along with the authorization, and an attorney can act on your behalf.

While you may be tempted to simply pay your ticket by mail and avoid the hassle of going to court, this is not a good idea. A ticket resolved by mail is often reported as a “conditional discharge” or conviction, which can increase your car insurance premiums. (This does not apply to red light camera tickets, which are issued against the car and not the driver.)

For speeding 26 or more miles over the limit, you must still appear yourself in Court and you are best advised to bring an attorney. An attorney may be able to contest your case or at least help you obtain a more favorable plea bargain than you might do on your own.

If you have questions about this or another related criminal or traffic matter, please contact Matt Keenan at 847-568-0160 or email matt@mattkeenanlaw.com.

(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.)