Wheaton Traffic Violations Attorneys

DuPage County Lawyers Serving Traffic Defense Clients Throughout Illinois

Each year, over 4 million drivers pay over $6 billion in traffic ticket fines. At best, these citations are a major inconvenience, but the consequences are usually far reaching. High fines, license suspension and higher insurance rates are all common consequences of traffic tickets. Only a small number of these matters are contested, so most people never realize the difference an experienced attorney can make.

At the Law Offices of Salvatore C. Miglore & Associates, we represent hundreds of motorists all throughout Greater Chicago. SOmetimes, we can find a technicality and get your case thrown out. Other times, there may not be enough evidence to convict you in court. If nothing else, an attorney can negotiate with prosecutors to get the fine and/or points reduced so you can keep driving with confidence.

With the exception of alcohol and drug cases, and some suspended license cases, most traffic tickets are punishable by a fine. Many jurisdictions also tack on court costs, administrative fees and other add-ons. The exact amount varies by county. There are also indirect costs. Most insurance companies raise rates after even one moving violation; the more serious and frequent the violations, the more drastic the rate increase.

Most moving violations, such as speeding, running a red light, texting while driving, and making an illegal turn also count as points against your license. Three convictions in a 12-month period triggers an automatic suspension. The length depends on the number of points and may include penalties as follows:

• 15 to 44 points is a two month suspension,
• 45 to 74 points - three month suspension,
• 75 to 89 points - six month suspension,
• 90 to 99 points - nine month suspension,
• 100 to 109 - 12 month suspension, and 
• 110 points or above - revocation

As an example, speeding 11 to 14 mph above the limit is a 15 point violation, 15 to 25 mph is 20 points, and over 25 mph is 50 points. 

Some drivers may be eligible for traffic court, which may reduce or eliminate some or all of these penalties. Whether you take traffic court or not, most moving violations stay on your record for four or five years. If your license is suspended, the suspension stays on your record for seven years. If you are cited for a "major violation," such as DUI, leaving the scene of an accident or reckless driving, the points are substantially higher, especially for commercial operators.

Your license might also be suspended for 10 or more parking tickets, failure to appear in court, failure to pay child support, failure to pay roadway tolls, failure to maintain insurance, and a few other matters. In most cases, you have the right to a hearing before the state can take your license.

If you received a traffic ticket, do not face it alone. The stakes are simply too high. Instead, contact the Law Offices of Salvatore C. Miglore & Associates for a free consultation. Our attorneys can represent you in DeKalb, DuPage, McHenry, Will, Lake, Kendall, Kane or Cook Counties, and help you stay on the road.