Aggravated Speeding Cases in DuPage County

Aggravated Speeding in DuPage County: What You Need to Know

As a criminal defense attorney who regularly handles Aggravated Speeding cases in DuPage County, Illinois, I understand how serious these charges can be and the stress they place on clients. My office is located near the DuPage County Courthouses, and I have extensive experience navigating the complexities of the DuPage County criminal court system. If you’ve been charged with Aggravated Speeding in DuPage County, it’s essential to understand what you are facing, the potential consequences, and how a skilled attorney can help you.

What is Aggravated Speeding in Illinois?

Under Illinois law, Aggravated Speeding is a criminal offense. While most speeding tickets are considered petty offenses that carry only fines, Aggravated Speeding is much more serious because it is classified as a misdemeanor. Specifically, Aggravated Speeding is defined under 625 ILCS 5/11-601.5:

• Driving 26 to 34 miles per hour over the posted speed limit is a Class B Misdemeanor.
• Driving 35 miles per hour or more over the posted speed limit is a Class A Misdemeanor.

This distinction is critical because a misdemeanor conviction goes on your permanent criminal record and can have long-lasting effects on your life and livelihood.

Difference Between Class A and Class B Aggravated Speeding Charges

A Class B Misdemeanor for speeding 26 to 34 mph over the speed limit carries the following potential penalties:

• Up to 180 days in jail
• Fines up to $1,500
• Mandatory court appearances
• Possible community service or other court-imposed conditions

A Class A Misdemeanor, which applies to speeds of 35 mph or more over the limit, is even more severe:

• Up to 364 days in jail
• Fines up to $2,500
• Mandatory court appearances
• Additional penalties such as probation or driver safety programs

In both cases, judges in DuPage County take these offenses seriously. The courts often view high-speed driving as reckless behavior that endangers public safety. The consequences can extend beyond fines and jail time. A criminal conviction can impact your employment, insurance premiums, and even your ability to hold certain professional licenses.

How DuPage County Handles Aggravated Speeding Cases

DuPage County is known for being tough on traffic and criminal offenses. Traffic court is held at the DuPage County Judicial Center located in Wheaton, Illinois. The judges in DuPage County have little tolerance for dangerous driving behaviors, and Aggravated Speeding is often prosecuted aggressively.

However, every case is different. An experienced criminal defense attorney familiar with DuPage County procedures, prosecutors, and judges can often negotiate for reduced charges or alternative sentencing options. In some cases, it may be possible to avoid a conviction altogether through court supervision or a negotiated plea agreement.

Enhancements That Can Make Your Situation Worse

Certain factors can enhance the seriousness of an Aggravated Speeding charge:

• Speeding in a Construction Zone: Illinois imposes harsher penalties for speeding in areas where workers are present.
• Speeding in a School Zone: Speeding in a school zone can lead to enhanced penalties and affect the court’s willingness to be lenient.
• Prior Traffic or Criminal History: Previous traffic violations or criminal convictions can make a judge more likely to impose stricter penalties.
• Accident Involvement: If your speeding led to an accident, especially one involving injuries, you may face additional charges or civil liability.

Impact on Your Driver’s License

One of the most significant concerns for clients facing Aggravated Speeding charges in DuPage County is the impact on their driver’s license. While a first-time Aggravated Speeding conviction may not result in an automatic license suspension, multiple convictions or a history of traffic violations can lead to:

• License suspension or revocation
• Points added to your driving record
• Increased auto insurance premiums

Furthermore, individuals under 21 years old face stricter rules, and a single Aggravated Speeding conviction can lead to license suspension.

Defending an Aggravated Speeding Charge in DuPage County

The best defense strategy depends on the unique facts of your case. As a criminal defense attorney with deep experience in DuPage County traffic cases, I begin by reviewing every detail of your arrest:

• Was the speed measurement accurate?
• Was the radar or laser gun calibrated and operated properly?
• Did the officer have a valid reason for the traffic stop?
• Were your constitutional rights violated during the stop or arrest?

In many cases, we can challenge the evidence or negotiate with the prosecutor for a reduction in charges. For first-time offenders, court supervision may be available, which avoids a criminal conviction and allows the charge to be removed from your record after successful completion of court requirements.

Why You Need a DuPage County Criminal Defense Attorney

Aggravated Speeding may sound like just a traffic violation, but in DuPage County, it’s a serious criminal offense. Representing yourself in court can lead to unintended consequences, including a permanent criminal record. As a local criminal defense attorney, I offer the following advantages:

• Familiarity with DuPage County Judges and Prosecutors: I know how local courts handle these cases and what arguments are most effective.
• Proven Defense Strategies: I have successfully defended many clients facing Aggravated Speeding charges.
• Personalized Legal Representation: Every client’s situation is unique. I take the time to understand your case and develop a defense strategy that meets your needs.

Contact My Office Near the DuPage County Courthouse

If you’ve been charged with Aggravated Speeding in DuPage County, don’t take the risk of going it alone. Contact my office for a free consultation. We’re located just minutes from the DuPage County Courthouse in Wheaton, and we are ready to help you fight your charges and protect your future.

Call 847-807-7405 or fill out our online form to schedule your appointment and take the first step toward resolving your Aggravated Speeding case with confidence.