Addison, IL Reckless Driving Lawyers
Reckless Driving Defense Attorneys in DuPage, Cook, and All Surrounding Counties
This violation is one of the most subjective violations in the vehicle code. Reckless driving is also one of the most serious violations of the code because the officer has the option to arrest the driver. If this happens, the drivers car is impounded, and these impound fees can be substantial. Furthermore, if the incident goes on the drivers permanent record, a reckless driving conviction may render a person ineligible for probation in a future DUI.
At Stringini & Garvey, P.C., we go to great lengths to keep a reckless driving conviction off your record. So, in addition to saving you money in the short term, we keep points off your license and do not unduly jeopardize your future in the long term. We do these things because we are committed to our clients well-being. We are always available to answer your questions and always keep you proactively informed about important events in your case, so you are never in the dark.
Elements of Reckless Driving
Illinois statute 625 ILCS 11-503 defines reckless driving as driv[ing] any vehicle with a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. Such a broad definition arguably applies to almost any infraction of the vehicle code. The key limitation is in the intent element: wanton disregard implies some sort of malice.
Reckless driving is a Class A misdemeanor that carries a maximum one year in jail and $2,500 fine; in certain cases, it can be charged as a Class 4 felony. In addition to the direct costs, there are substantial indirect costs. For example, a reckless driving conviction may raise your insurance premiums by as much as 25 percent a year for at least three years. A conviction also means 55 points on your license.
Reckless Driving and DUI
Because it carries no mandatory drivers license suspension, reducing a DUI charge to reckless driving is an important element of a DUI defense, especially for subsequent offenses that are not eligible for probation. Since this practice is so prevalent, a reckless driving conviction renders a person ineligible for DUI probation. Therefore, it is very important to keep a reckless driving charge off your record in certain cases.
Defenses to Reckless Driving
Intent is difficult to prove in any courtroom, and intent is especially hard to prove beyond a reasonable doubt. If this element is not present, an attorney might get the ticket thrown out of court. In the alternative, the prosecutor might reduce the charge to speeding, making an unsafe lane change, or some other petty crime that has a lower fine and does not carry the possibility of jail time.
To avoid some or all the consequences of a reckless driving citation, contact Stringini & Garvey, P.C. at 630-834-9595. We offer free consultations in criminal cases to clients in DuPage County, Cook County, and throughout the surrounding Chicagoland suburbs.
