It’s just a speeding ticket, right? I can’t go to jail for speeding, I just pay the ticket and slow down, right? This is not necessarily true in all speeding ticket cases. When most people think of a speeding ticket, they don’t think they could go to jail or get a criminal record. Illinois has very tough laws against speeding that could not only result in an increase in your insurance premiums if convicted but also in a criminal record and jail time. Because of these reasons, it is extremely important that you consult with a lawyer experienced in handling speeding tickets to help keep you out of jail and keep your criminal record clear.
When can you go to jail for a speeding ticket? Arlington Heights attorney for traffic legal matters Anisa Jordan typically sees people charged with three types of speeding tickets that could result in possible jail time if convicted.
The most common are Aggravated Speeding law under 625 ILCS 5/11-601.5
Illinois Speeding Tickets: Police Officer with Radar Gun
Under section (a) of 625 ILCS 5/11-601.5 a speeding ticket for speeding 26-34 MPH over the speed limit on any highway in this state is a Class B Misdemeanor. This means that if you are found guilty you could go to jail for up to six months and pay up to $1,500 dollars in court fines and fees.
Under section (b) of 625 ILCS 5/11-601.5 a speeding ticket for speeding 35 MPH or more over the speed limit on any highway in Illinois is a Class A Misdemeanor. This means that if you are found guilty you could go to jail for up to 364 days and pay up to $2,500 in court fines and fees.
Another common speeding ticket is under the Aggravated Special Speed Limit for speeding above the speed limit in a highway construction or maintenance speed zone under 625 ILCS 605.1(d-5).
Under section (d-5)(1) a ticket for speeding 26-34 MPH over the limit in a highway construction or maintenance speed zone is a Class B misdemeanor. If you are found guilty you could go to jail for up to six months and pay up to $1,500 dollars in court fines and fees.
Under section (d-5)(2) a ticket for speeding 35 MPH or more over the limit in a highway construction or maintenance speed zone is a Class A misdemeanor. If you are convicted you could go to jail for up to 364 days and pay up to $2,500 in court fines and fees.
Lastly, The Jordan Law Firm sees tickets for speeding in a school zone under the Aggravated Special Speed Limit law, 625 ILCS 5/11-605(e-5).
Under section (e-5)(1) a speeding ticket for speeding 26-34 MPH over the speed limit while passing a school zone is a Class B misdemeanor with a possible sentence of six months in jail and up to $1,500 dollars in court fines and fees if you are convicted.
Under section (e-5)(2) a speeding ticket for speeding 35 MPH or more over the speed limit while passing a school zone is a Class A misdemeanor with a possible sentence of 364 days in jail and up to $2,500 in court fines and fees if you are convicted.
Beyond the possibility of going to jail for a speeding ticket there are a number of other nuances that can make a speeding ticket not so simple. For example, if you are convicted of excessive speeding in a highway construction or maintenance speed zone a second time within two years, the Illinois Secretary of State could suspend your driver’s license for 3 months. In some cases, even if you can avoid jail time, you may still end up with a criminal record because of mandatory sentencing laws with respect to some speeding ticket charges.
Therefore, if you have a speeding ticket, it is important that you speak to an experienced lawyer to evaluate the facts of your specific case to determine the best course of action to defend against the speeding ticket you have received.
If you have a speeding ticket and don’t know your next step, contact Arlington Heights lawyer Anisa Jordan at The Jordan Law Firm for a free evaluation of your speeding ticket case. The Jordan Law Firm defends against speeding tickets throughout Chicago, Arlington Heights, Rolling Meadows, Schaumburg and all of the surrounding suburbs including Kane, DuPage, and Lake Counties.
Communication of information in this blog is intended for informational purposes only and may not reflect the most current legal developments. Your use of this information does not form an attorney client relationship and it is not intended to convey or constitute legal advice. You should not act on this information without obtaining legal advice from an attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
