Contact Attorney Paul M. Marriett When Facing a Reckless Driving Charge in Rockford
Reckless driving in Illinois can take many forms, including:
- Traveling at a high rate of speed
- Swerving lanes erratically without signaling
- Anything that could constitute negligent driving
Drivers often worry that a reckless driving conviction in Illinois means that their license is going to be suspended immediately. That is not the case. If a reckless driving conviction occurs in Illinois, you’ll have points assessed on your license, which is typically reported to insurance companies and can lead to increase insurance premiums over the long run.
Illinois statute 625 ILCS 5/11-503 states:
A person commits reckless driving if he or she:
- Drives any vehicle with a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property; or
- Knowingly drives a vehicle and uses an incline in a road way, such as a railroad crossing, bridge approach, or hill, to cause the vehicle to become airborne.
The penalty for reckless driving in Illinois is a Class A Misdemeanor. The possible penalty is up to 364 days in jail, court supervision/conditional discharge/or 24 months probation, and fines up to $2,500. Additionally, if you receive a conviction of reckless driving, your driver’s license can be suspended or revoked depending on your driving record.
Further, the consequences of a reckless driving conviction in Illinois are especially serious when the offense involved injuries because those offenses that involve injuries are felonies. The punishment if convicted can include up to five years in prison and $25,000 in fines.
In the cases of DUI, an experienced lawyer can help you receive a reduced charge of reckless driving, which can come with much less serious consequences than a drunken-driving conviction.
In all cases involving reckless driving, it is important to contact a skilled traffic lawyer as early in the process as possible to ensure the best possible outcome. For quality legal representation in Rockford, Machesney Park, Loves Park, Winnebago County and the surrounding Illinois communities, contact the Law Office of Paul M. Marriett for a free consultation. The Law Office of Paul M. Marriett can be reached by phone at (815) 391-0089, securely through the form on this page, or by email here.