Although petty traffic tickets are punishable by a fine only, all criminal traffic violations are punishable by jail time. Common criminal traffic violations include speeding more than 26 miles per hour over the limit (known as “aggravated speeding”), driving on a suspended or revoked license, leaving the scene of an accident, failure to notify of a property damage accident, and reckless driving. If you are ticketed for a criminal traffic violation, you will be required to appear personally in court.
All too often, people charged with criminal traffic violations fail to understand the severe consequences that separate criminal traffic violations from minor, petty traffic tickets. Failure to take a criminal traffic charge seriously can result in a permanent criminal record, a harsh probation sentence, or even jail time.
A Bruno Law Offices attorney can help you with your traffic violations. We have the legal knowledge you need to successfully fight your case, and we’ll stand up for your rights in court. If you have been accused of a traffic violation, the Champaign traffic violation defense lawyers of Bruno Law Offices can help. Contact us today at (217) 328-6000 to speak with an attorney about your case.
Why Do I Need an Attorney in a Traffic Violations Case?
Being charged with aggravated speeding, driving on a suspended or revoked license, leaving the scene of an accident, failure to notify of a property damage accident, or reckless driving can result in a permanent criminal conviction on your record and jail time. Unfortunately, many people assume these types of charges can be dealt with by talking directly with the judge or simply paying a fine. This is not true.
Because criminal traffic violations are punishable by jail time, most judges will expect anyone charged with a criminal traffic violation to be represented by an attorney, and for good reason. Failure to take a criminal traffic violation seriously will affect more than your driving record and insurance rates.
Many criminal traffic violations, such as speeding 35 miles per hour over the limit, driving on a suspended or revoked license, leaving the scene of an accident, failure to notify of a property damage accident, and reckless driving are Class A misdemeanors. A Class A misdemeanor is the same level offense as a DUI or a domestic battery, punishable by up to 364 days in jail. Even a less serious criminal traffic violation, such as speeding between 26 and 34 miles per hour over the limit, is a Class B misdemeanors, punishable by up to six months in jail.
Because of the severe possible penalties, including jail time, dealing with a criminal traffic charge is never as simple as paying a fine. Even if jail time can be avoided, prosecutors will often seek harsh and lengthy sentences of probation or conditional discharge.
That’s why hiring an attorney for your traffic case case is essential. Handling a criminal traffic case is about much more than minimizing fines and fees. The attorney you choose for your criminal traffic case can make the difference between jail or freedom, and between a second chance or a permanent criminal conviction on your record.
Why Choose Bruno Law Offices?
Not just any lawyer can do this job. An experienced attorney with an intimate understanding of Central Illinois traffic courts is the only choice to make your traffic violation case as quick, easy, and painless as possible.
For almost forty years, Bruno Law Offices has handled serious traffic cases throughout Central Illinois. Bruno Law Offices has established an excellent reputation as the go-to law firm for anyone in the Champaign or greater Central Illinois area who is seeking legal help.
Bruno Law Offices will tirelessly defend your rights in court. For decades, our office has offered clients throughout Champaign and Central Illinois the legal insight and expertise needed to make educated decisions about their cases, and how best to resolve them with a positive outcome. Few firms in the state provide the reputation, experience, knowledge, and skills that Bruno Law Offices brings to the table.
In a criminal traffic violation case, you need someone who understands the serious stakes and how best to fight for a great outcome. Our team of empathetic and dedicated Champaign traffic crime defense attorneys will be there for you every step of the way throughout your case.
Call us today for a free consultation at (217) 328-6000.
Cases We Handle
No matter what criminal traffic violation you have been accused of, the consequences of a conviction are potentially life-changing. You may face incarceration, probation, license suspension, excessive fines and fees, and an increase in insurance rates. By presenting a strong legal defense, however, you may be able to significantly reduce or even eliminate these penalties.
The Champaign traffic violation defense lawyers of Bruno Law Offices can help you with a variety of cases, including:
- Aggravated Speeding
- Leaving the Scene of an Accident
- Failure to Notify of a Property Damage Accident
- Reckless Driving
- Driving Under the Influence
- Driving on a Suspended License
- Driving on a Revoked License
- Driving without a License
- Driving with an Expired License
Hiring an attorney quickly after your traffic violation will eliminate the likelihood that will you face additional traffic violation charges and fines.
What Should I Do After I Receive a Traffic Violation?
After getting a traffic violation, you may not know how to move forward, especially if you don’t believe that you deserved it. A Bruno Law Offices attorney can guide you to the best course of action to obtain the best possible outcome in your case.
All criminal traffic violation cases begin with an initial court appearance, known as an “arraignment,” at which you the judge will advise you of the charges and possible penalties. In nearly every criminal traffic case, you will enter a plea of “not guilty” at the arraignment. This is true even if you intend on pleading guilty at a later date. Pleading “not guilty” at the beginning of the case simply preserves your rights while the case moves forward.
Even if you intend on ultimately pleading guilty to the charge, an attorney’s job is to help reduce the penalties you face. The attorneys at Bruno Law Offices are highly experienced in dealing with criminal traffic violations cases. Our goal is to work diligently for a fair, positive outcome in your case.
We can take the burden from your shoulders and ensure that all deadlines are met, all documents are organized, and the best case that can possibly be made is argued in your favor.
Our attorneys have the qualifications and experience to help you fight criminal traffic violation charges. Call us at (217) 328-6000 today to discuss your traffic violation case.
Contact Us
Fighting a traffic violation doesn’t have to be difficult and time-consuming. With the help of a capable criminal defense lawyer, you can avoid the unnecessary complications associated with receiving a traffic violation. Contact the Champaign traffic violation defense lawyers of Bruno Law Offices today at (217) 328-6000 to explore your legal options.