Champaign Reckless Driving Defense Lawyers
If you have been charged with reckless driving, you need experienced legal representation. A conviction for reckless driving can result in significant fines and even jail time for you.
Call Bruno Law Offices at (217) 328-6000 for a free consultation with one of our Champaign traffic violations attorneys. They can explain what a conviction of reckless driving may mean for you. They can also advise you about your legal rights and help you devise a plan for your next best steps.
What Constitutes Reckless Driving?
In Illinois, a charge of reckless driving means that the police believed that you were driving without regard for the safety of others. Unlike many other traffic violations, reckless driving is a crime. As a result, the penalties that you may receive if you are convicted are more serious than if you got a traffic ticket for failing to come to a complete stop at a stop sign, for example.
Some types of behavior that may lead to a charge of reckless driving include:
- Driving at a speed in excess of 25 m.p.h. over the posted speed limit
- Driving in a manner that endangers persons or property
- Fleeing from law enforcement,
- Street racing
- Dangerous passing of other vehicles
These are not the only offenses that could get you a reckless driving charge.
Reckless driving is a crime because serious accidents are more likely to result from dangerous behaviors, such as traveling at high speed or any of the other listed activities. If your reckless driving resulted in someone’s serious bodily injury or death, you may be charged with aggravated reckless driving. A charge of aggravated reckless driving is even more serious than just “reckless driving.” If you are convicted of aggravated reckless driving, you may receive a larger fine and be sentenced to more time in jail.
In Illinois, it doesn’t matter if you intended to endanger others. Law enforcement can charge you with reckless driving, whether your behavior was intentional or not. Unlike the penalties for some other traffic violations, reckless driving penalties can be quite severe and may cost you months or even years of your freedom.
Do I Need a Reckless Driving Lawyer?
A knowledgeable lawyer can explain why you have been charged with reckless driving. They can also explain to you what a conviction of reckless driving may mean in your life. A conviction may result in significant fines and could result in jail time. If you are sentenced to jail time, your job may be adversely impacted. Loss of income affects not only you but your loved ones that depend on you. Your automobile insurance rates probably will increase. It is possible that your car insurance carrier may drop you because you are too high risk.
An experienced lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal system. Having legal representations means that you do not have to speak to law enforcement, the prosecuting attorneys, or even the judge because your lawyer can handle all of this. A well-qualified attorney knows what to say and what not to say. Do yourself a favor, and talk to a well-qualified attorney before speaking to anyone else. You have rights. An attorney can advise you as to what those rights are and make sure that you don’t accidentally give up or otherwise compromise your rights.
A skilled attorney may be able to get the charges against you reduced or dropped entirely. Your lawyer may be able to negotiate a settlement with the prosecuting attorney in which you plead guilty to a lesser offense. A lesser offense means you likely will face lower fines and either no jail time or a substantial reduction in jail time.
Why Choose Bruno Law Offices to Represent You?
Bruno Law Offices was founded in 1980. From the start, our firm focused on providing quality criminal defense. We represent clients accused of crimes ranging from traffic offenses to serious DUIs, drug trafficking conspiracies, and we’ve represented clients in death penalty murder cases.
We have provided excellent representation to our clients in Champaign and throughout Central Illinois for over 40 years. We have a lengthy roster of satisfied customers. Bruno Law Offices has extensive experience with Central Illinois traffic courts, and if we represent you, we will use that experience to benefit you.
Our attorneys will work tirelessly to see that you get the best possible outcome. We will use all of our legal skills and resources to try to get the charges reduced or eliminated, if possible. If you are found guilty, we will use our knowledge and expertise to attempt to minimize the punishment that you receive.
Types of Reckless Driving Cases We Handle
Under Illinois law, reckless driving is a class A misdemeanor. If you’re convicted of reckless driving, you may face the following penalties:
- A fine of up to $2500 and/or
- A jail term of no more than one year
A charge of aggravated reckless driving is much more serious. In Illinois, aggravated reckless driving is considered a class 4 felony. A conviction for aggravated reckless driving may subject you to the following penalties:
- A fine of no more than $25,000 and/or
- A prison term of no more than three years in the state penitentiary
You may also be subject to civil action if someone was hurt or if property was damaged.
Contact an Illinois Reckless Driving Lawyer Today
Call Bruno Law Offices at (217) 328-6000 to schedule a free consultation about your charges and your options. Call us day or night: we are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We can review the facts of your case and advise you as to your rights. We’ll answer any questions that you may have. If you choose us to represent you, we can help walk you through the complicated court system and work to achieve the best outcome possible for you. Don’t wait. Call now.