Q: Do I need a lawyer for an Illinois traffic ticket?
A: While many drivers tend to represent themselves, it is strongly advised that you retain a lawyer to represent you if you are charged with a serious traffic violation or if you want to keep the ticket off your driving record.
Q: Do I have to appear in court for a speeding ticket?
A: The bottom of the ticket will indicate COURT APPEARANCE REQUIRED or NO COURT APPEARANCE REQUIRED. If COURT APPEARANCE REQUIRED is checked, either you or an attorney representing you must appear in court. When Ed Dorsey goes to court, his client may stay at home.
Q: How Long Will A Speeding Ticket Stay On My Driving Record?
A: In Illinois, if a driver is convicted of a moving violation, the ticket will remain on the driver's record permanently. The key is to avoid a conviction: by obtaining a dismissal; amending to a non-moving violation; getting a deferred judgment; or going to trial and being found Not Guilty.
Q: What happens if I do not pay my traffic ticket or court fines?
A:A fines is a court order. If you have violated the court order, you may face serious consequences, even criminal charges
Q: What should I do if I missed my court date?
A. The court can take various actions if you missed your court date or failed to appear. For instance, in serious cases, the judge may issue a warrant for your arrest. For minor cases, the failure to appear may result in suspension of your license, administrative holds on renewal of licenses, imposition of a guilty judgment, or revocation of bond.
Q: Does Hiring A Traffic Ticket Lawyer Mean My Penalties Get Reduced?
A: Hiring a attorney will allow you to have competent legal representation to address alleged traffic violations. A lawyer experienced with the local court system, may be able to get a reduction in penalties, if not an out right dismissal of the ticket. If there is any chance of fighting the ticket, you should definitely go with legal counsel,.
Q: Can A Traffic Ticket Lawyer Get Me Out Of Traffic School?
A: Traffic School is a remedial course designed to improve safe driving skills. One of the main benefits of successful completion of Traffic School is keeping a ticket off your record. As opposed to Traffic School, a Traffic Ticket Lawyer has several other ways to keep a ticket off your record by representing you in court.
Q: Doesn't Hiring A Traffic Ticket Lawyer Mean My Case Will Be Dismissed Automatically?
A. Dismissed means to "let go." If a case is dismissed, it means that it has no merit, and it is being thrown it out of court. Usually, dismissals require a pleading known as a Motion to Dismiss that attacks the bases of a case requesting the case being dismissed. A Traffic Ticket lawyer will know how and when to file such a motion.
Q: What If I Want To Take My Traffic Ticket To Trial?
A. Every defendant has the right to proceed to trial. If a defendant wants to take a case to trial, that defendant should definitely go with an attorney.
Q: What Are The Most Important Factors I Should Consider When Hiring A Traffic Ticket Lawyer?
A. When hiring an lawyer, do your research, know who you are dealing with, be comfortable with the lawyer's approaches to your case, know the costs and fees involved and the payment arrangements.
Q: Can't I Just Handle The Ticket Myself?
A: While many drivers tend to represent themselves, it is strongly advised that you retain a lawyer to represent you if you are charged with a serious traffic violation or if you want to keep the ticket off your driving record.
Q: I received a IL traffic ticket. I live in another state. Is the Illinois ticket going to affect my license or insurance in my home state?
A: Illinois is a member of the Driver License Compact, an interstate compact (agreement) among 45 states and the District of Columbia. Only Michigan, Wisconsin, Georgia, Massachusetts and Tennessee are not members. The Compact requires its member to share driver's license information and traffic violation records with the other states. Insurance companies can obtain a driver's record by requesting the information from the department of motor vehicles. Most insurance companies will obtain driving records whenever they underwrite or renew coverage. Traffic violations a driver has incurred within a specified time period, typically three years, will increase the cost of coverage.
Q: What Is Court Supervision?
A: Court Supervision means that the court withholds judgment against you ( does mot enter a conviction) as along as you comply with the terms of your supervision (such as payment of fines). At the conclusion of the court supervision period (ranging anywhere from 60 days to 12 months), if you have satisfactorily complied with the court's conditions, the case is closed with no conviction.