Reckless Driving - Aggravated Reckless Driving - Joliet Reckless Driving Attorney
What is Reckless Driving in Illinois?
The Illinois Compiled Statues state that anyone who uses or drives a vehicle "with a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property" can be charged with reckless driving. The law includes the specific example of reckless driving - driving over an incline in the road with the intent of making the vehicle airborne. The broad definition of reckless driving contained in the Illinois Compiled Statues allows for the reckless charges to brought under a wide variety of circumstances.
Reckless Driving in Illinois is a Criminal Offense
A reckless driving conviction is a Class A misdemeanor - a criminal offense and can have a serious impact for an individual's future. A reckless driving conviction carries a possible sentence of up to one year in jail, loss of license for at least three months, and a fine of up to $2,500. It is even possible for a police officer to arrest the offending individual instead of issuing a ticket.
In addition to the above consequences, all forms of reckless driving will result in 55 points being added to your Illinois license. Forty-five - seventy-four points results in an automatic 3 month suspension. If you have had your license suspended or revoked in the past seven years, the point penalties are even more harsh.
Aggravated Reckless Driving in Illinois
While a charge of reckless driving in Illinois carries very harsh consequences, an aggravated reckless driving conviction is an even more serious charge. Reckless driving becomes aggravated reckless driving if there is serious injury to another person. This is elevated to a Class 4 felony and may result in imprisonment up to three years and fines up to $25,000.
If serious harm is caused to a child or a school crossing guard who is on duty, the reckless driving charge becomes aggravated reckless driving and is considered a Class 3 felony. Conviction of this charge may result in a prison term of up to 5 years and fines up to $25,000.
Seek an Experienced Illinois Reckless Driving Attorney
Both reckless driving and aggravated reckless driving are considered criminal offenses and a conviction ca carry jail time. You need and deserve the best legal representation possible when faced with such harsh consequences. Contact me before making any statements to the arresting officer. As an experienced reckless driving attorney serving Cook, Will and DuPage Counties, I will work to help you achieve the best possible outcome. Call today for a free consultation - 630.708.0873