Oak Lawn, Illinois Traffic Defense Lawyer

Skilled Traffic Violation Attorney Representing Drivers in Oak Lawn, IL

In Illinois, driving dangerously can lead to harsh penalties, and a reckless driving conviction on your record can wreak havoc on your life and threaten your employment. With this in mind, it is important to address these charges correctly by consulting with a traffic defense attorney who can represent you in a court of law. A reckless driving charge comes with fines, a criminal record, and the potential suspension of your license. With a legal advocate in your corner, you can ensure that your rights as a motorist and a citizen of Illinois will be protected.

Attorney Kal Issa has over a decade of experience in criminal defense, and he handles every case that comes to his desk personally. No matter the details surrounding your traffic charges, you can take comfort knowing that Kal will exhaust every avenue to get you a favorable result.

What Constitutes Reckless Driving in Illinois?

According to state law, reckless driving refers to operating a vehicle with "willful or wanton disregard" for other people or property. As you can imagine, this covers many different behaviors, and reckless driving is often tacked on to other crimes as an additional offense rather than a standalone charge. Doing any of the following could result in an arrest for reckless driving:

• Making unsafe lane changes
• Texting or using your phone while driving
• Disregarding traffic lights
• Speeding
• Street racing
• Attempting to outrun the police

Reckless driving is a serious offense, and it is prosecuted as a Class A misdemeanor, which is just one step below a felony. A conviction carries $2,500 in possible fines and no more than a year in prison. The charge may be increased to a Class 4 felony if somebody was seriously hurt by your alleged reckless driving (referred to as aggravated reckless driving). This offense may be punishable by a $25,000 fine and one to three years in prison. Furthermore, if a crossing guard or child was seriously hurt by your alleged reckless driving, you could be charged with a Class 3 felony, with the same fine but a prison sentence ranging from two to five years.

Legal Defenses Against a Reckless Driving Charge

If you have been charged with reckless driving, you can consult with a skilled traffic attorney who will evaluate your situation to determine the best defense strategy. Because the language of the law around reckless driving is so broad, your attorney may be able to make a credible case to reduce the charge to a less serious offense like negligent driving. Additionally, if you do not have a prior history of reckless driving or DUI, court supervision may be a favorable option for you. Court supervision will allow you to avoid a conviction against you as long as you do not commit any other traffic violations for a period of time determined by the judge. However, you may only request court supervision once for reckless driving or DUI.

Additionally, the circumstances behind your arrest could exonerate you. If you or a passenger were having a medical emergency and were headed to a hospital, the case could be dropped entirely. In other cases, your lawyer could argue that the arresting officer violated your constitutional rights during a traffic stop. Whatever the situation, you should be forthcoming with your lawyer so that you can explore every possible defense together.

Contact Our Oak Lawn Traffic Violation Defense Attorney Today

A single instance of reckless driving can ruin your life. Fortunately, a skilled traffic lawyer can help you defend against these charges, ensuring that your freedom and your rights are protected. Attorney Kal Issa has been practicing criminal law for over a decade, and he prioritizes client communication, keeping the people he defends informed throughout the case. He will work with you to develop an effective defense strategy and resolve your case successfully. To schedule a consultation, call Kal at 708-966-2408 or contact our office online.