IS SPEEDING A MISDEMEANOR IN ILLINOIS?

The answer is yes, depending on how fast you were going.

Speeding between 26 and 35 miles over the limit is a Class B Misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail.   Speeding 35 miles over the limit and above is a Class A Misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year.  These same penalties apply when speeding past school or construction zones.

Speeding can be a tricky offense to fight because it’s generally you against the officer’s radar gun. Note that the prosecution need not present that sort of evidence by law.  In some cases, the officer’s testimony by itself may be sufficient to find you guilty. That said, an experienced attorney may be able to negotiate an agreement to plead guilty to a lesser, non criminal, offense.

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.

See:  625 ILCS 5/11-601.5, Speeding

625 ILCS 5/11-605.1, Special Limit While Travelling Through A Highway Construction Zone

625 ILCS 5/11-605, Special Speed Limit While Passing Schools

(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.)