Chicago, IL Reckless Driving Lawyer

Skilled Attorney Defending Against Criminal Charges for Reckless Driving in Chicago, Illinois

While driving, there are many ways that drivers may make mistakes or take actions that could lead to traffic violations. In many cases, these violations may seem minor, but they can have long-lasting effects. Some violations, such as reckless driving, are especially serious. Reckless driving is a criminal offense that can lead to serious penalties if you are convicted.

Unlike ordinary moving violations, reckless driving is treated as a misdemeanor, and it may even lead to felony charges in certain cases. To help prevent serious consequences, you will need to work with an attorney who can help you defend against these charges, prevent a conviction, and determine your options for reducing the ways your driver's license and your life as a whole may be affected.

Following an arrest for reckless driving in Chicago, it is important to understand your legal rights and the options available to you. Attorney Miguel Miranda and the team at Miranda Law Office, LTD can provide you with a strong legal defense against criminal traffic offenses. With over 20 years of experience, as well as the ability to help you in English or Spanish, we can provide the legal representation you need during your case.

What Is Reckless Driving?

The term "reckless driving" could potentially be used to describe all manner of traffic violations in which a person is accused of driving unsafely. However, Illinois law (625 ILCS 5/11-503) provides a definition for reckless driving, stating that these charges may apply if a person willfully ignores the safety of others or the risks of damaging property when driving a motor vehicle. This broad definition means that many different types of unsafe driving behaviors can lead to charges of reckless driving.

Examples of Actions That Could Lead to Reckless Driving Charges

You could be charged with reckless driving if you are accused of:

• Excessive speeding well above the posted limit, especially in a school zone or road construction zone.
• Driving aggressively, such as weaving in and out of traffic, tailgating, or street racing.
• Disregarding traffic control devices, such as running red lights or stop signs in a way that could lead to collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians.
• Using a hill or incline to intentionally cause your vehicle to become airborne.
• Fleeing from law enforcement during a traffic stop.

In some cases, accidents that resulted in property damage, injuries, or death may lead to reckless driving charges. Police officers may review the circumstances surrounding an accident to determine if you engaged in dangerous behavior that led to the collision, and you could face criminal charges.

Penalties for Reckless Driving in Illinois

At minimum, reckless driving is considered to be a Class A misdemeanor offense. This charge will apply in most situations, and if your case results in a conviction, you could be fined as much as $2,500, and you could be sentenced to serve time in jail for up to 12 months. Depending on the circumstances of your case, your driver's license may be suspended or revoked.

If you are accused of driving unsafely and causing someone to suffer serious injuries, you could face charges of aggravated reckless driving. These charges may apply in cases involving great bodily harm that put someone's life at risk, caused them to suffer a permanent disability, or led to disfigurement. Aggravated reckless driving is usually charged as a Class 4 felony. Upon conviction, you may face a sentence ranging from one to three years in prison. A felony conviction may also require you to pay a fine as high as $25,000.

Reckless Driving Defense Strategies

Since the definition of reckless driving is broad, the decision about whether to charge someone with this offense can be subjective. Criminal charges will often rely on the observations and opinions of law enforcement officers. At Miranda Law Office, LTD, we will carefully review the facts of your case to identify opportunities to question the opinions of officers, challenge the charges, or negotiate for a more favorable outcome.

Some potential options for defense may include:

• Arguing that your actions did not rise to the level of "willful or wanton disregard" required for a reckless driving conviction.
• Challenging a police officer's observations or interpretations of your behavior.
• Demonstrating that other factors, such as road conditions or mechanical issues, were responsible for an accident or actions that were interpreted as reckless.
• Negotiating for reduced charges that will allow a case to be resolved as a civil traffic offense and help you avoid a criminal record.
• Requesting court supervision or other alternatives to a criminal conviction.

Contact Our Chicago, IL Reckless Driving Defense Attorney

Reckless driving is a criminal offense that requires a strong defense from an experienced attorney. At Miranda Law Office, LTD, we can help you take steps to minimize the impact of these charges on your life. Contact our Chicago reckless driving defense lawyer and schedule a confidential consultation by calling 773-588-3822.