Category Archives: traffic offenses

CAN YOU BE STOPPED FOR FAILING TO WEAR A SEAT BELT?

The answer is yes. Police can stop your car when they have probable cause to believe that a traffic violation has occurred.  Failure to wear a properly adjusted and fastened seat belt can be enough. During any stop, the driver … Continue reading

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HOW CAN A LAWYER HELP MY CHILD WITH A TRAFFIC TICKET?

Your child only recently started driving.  Although generally responsible, he or she got a rather high speeding ticket with the possibility of a criminal record as a result.  Should you get an attorney?  What can an attorney do? Be aware … Continue reading

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OVERTURNING YOUR DRIVER’S LICENSE SUSPENSION BASED ON THE UNDERLYING TRAFFIC STOP

Once you are arrested for DUI, the Secretary of State usually suspends your driver’s license for at least six months beginning on the 46th day after your arrest.  Your attorney may file a petition to rescind or overturn that suspension.  … Continue reading

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WHAT ARE THE PENALTIES FOR USING A CELL PHONE WHILE DRIVING IN ILLINOIS?

Illinois again raised its penalties against drivers distracted by cell phones.  The minimum fine as of July 1, 2020 is $1,000 for aggravated use of an electronic communication device when causing an accident resulting in great bodily injury, permanent disability, … Continue reading

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HIGH SPEED CRASHES MEAN BIG TROUBLE

The roads were clear so you zoomed ahead. But your high speed made it difficult to brake when the car in front of you stopped suddenly, and so you crashed. The police came to the scene, and you are now … Continue reading

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CAN THE NATURE OF THE ROAD BE A DEFENSE TO AN ILLINOIS TRAFFIC TICKET OR DUI?

In reviewing a traffic ticket or DUI, the court generally reviews all the facts of your case. In some situations, the type of road you were driving on may become important. For example, does an officer have probable cause to … Continue reading

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SCOTT’S LAW RAISES PENALTIES FOR FAILING TO YIELD TO EMERGENCY VEHICLES

If you hear a siren or see the flashing lights of an emergency vehicle, it should go without saying that you have to clear the way. Illinois requires that you move to the right side curb until the vehicle passes. … Continue reading

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ILLINOIS TIGHTENS LAW ON HAND HELD DEVICES WHILE DRIVING

Updated July 24, 2019 As of July 1, 2019, a first offense for texting or using a cell phone while driving is now a moving violation. Before the change in law, you would not receive a moving violation until the … Continue reading

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PASSING A SCHOOL BUS IN ILLINOIS

UPDATED August 7, 2019: As of January 1, 2020, the fines for illegally passing a school bus are going up. The fine will be $300 (instead of $150) for a first offense and $1000 (instead of $500) for later offenses. … Continue reading

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CAN YOU BE STOPPED FOR MAKING A LEFT TURN INTO THE FAR LANE?

You noticed the officer’s car behind you. You’d had a few drinks but your driving was really spot on. Then you made a left turn into the far lane of an intersection. The officer signals you to pull over. He … Continue reading

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