Reckless Driving Has Serious Consequences

Reckless driving in the Chicago area has serious consequences. Illinois severely punishes drivers who threaten the safety of the public. You can be ticketed for reckless driving, but police officers have discretion and may actually put you under arrest if your reckless driving is egregious or if intoxication is suspected. Reckless driving is more than making a simple driving mistake or being momentarily negligent. A reckless driver willfully disregards safety. If you are charged with reckless driving in or near Chicago, take your case at once to an experienced Chicago traffic lawyer.

Illinois defines reckless driving as driving with “willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.” If you are speeding, tailgating, failing to use turn signals or yield rights-of-way, running stop signs or traffic signals, drunk, intoxicated by drugs, texting, or distracted in any other way, your driving could be deemed reckless. Unlike most traffic violations, reckless driving is not a petty offense in Illinois. It’s a crime, a Class A misdemeanor. If you are arrested for reckless driving, your vehicle will be impounded, and you’ll have to post a bond or go to jail. If you’re accused of reckless driving, fight the charge with help from an experienced Chicago traffic lawyer. If you’re convicted, reckless driving is punishable by up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.

A reckless driving conviction also become part of your permanent criminal record. Your auto insurance payments will be higher, and if driving is part of your work, you might face some trouble with your job. If you are accused of reckless driving, it is imperative for you to contact an lawyer with experience handling reckless driving cases in Illinois. Call an experienced Chicago traffic lawyer as quickly as possible if you are accused of reckless driving or any other traffic violation in the greater Chicago area.