Illinois Traffic Ticket Defense

Got a Traffic Ticket in Illinois? — Chat with a Traffic Attorney Now

From speeding and cell phone tickets to CDL violations and suspended license charges, our Illinois traffic attorneys handle it all. We aim to protect your record, license, and insurance rates — often without you ever appearing in court.

  • Cook • DuPage • Will • Kane • Lake
  • Speeding • Cell Phone • CDL • Suspended License • Red Light
  • Free Consultation • Available 24/7 • Se Habla Español

How Illinois Traffic Tickets Work

The Court Case

Every moving violation in Illinois is a court case with a docket number. Your case can end in a dismissal, amendment to a non-moving violation, court supervision, or a conviction. Supervision keeps your public driving record clean if you complete the terms, usually fines and no new tickets.

  • First appearance: a quick status call where your attorney can appear for you, receive discovery, and negotiate.
  • Misdemeanor vs. petty offense: most tickets are petty (fine-only). High-end speeding is a misdemeanor (26–34 mph over = Class B; 35+ mph over = Class A), which can carry jail exposure without a lawyer.
  • Typical resolutions: dismissal (officer no-show or proof issues), amendment to a non-moving violation, or supervision to avoid a conviction.

License Consequences

Illinois uses a point and suspension system. Points are assigned to each moving violation, and the Secretary of State uses the number of convictions within a look-back period to determine suspension length.

  • Age 21 and over: three moving convictions in twelve months can trigger a suspension, with length depending on total points.
  • Under 21: two moving convictions in twenty-four months can suspend driving privileges.
  • CDL drivers: supervision still counts as a conviction for CDL purposes. Serious violations (15+ over, reckless driving, following too closely, texting in a CMV, etc.) can lead to disqualification.
  • Automatic or mandatory actions: some offenses, such as Scott’s Law, passing a school bus, or leaving the scene, can carry enhanced penalties or mandatory suspensions if convicted.

Insurance Impact

Insurers regularly review motor vehicle records. A single conviction for speeding, improper lane usage, or failure to yield can raise premiums for three to five years. Keeping a conviction off your record—through dismissal, amendment, or supervision—helps protect your rates.

  • High-impact convictions: high-end speeding, reckless driving, and at-fault signal or sign violations.
  • Lower-impact outcomes: non-moving amendments, such as equipment or parking tickets, and completed supervision.

Why You Need a Lawyer

An experienced Illinois traffic attorney can appear for you, manage filings and court dates, and negotiate with prosecutors who know your driving history. We review the stop, radar or LIDAR evidence, signage, and officer vantage, and pursue outcomes that keep your record clean.

  • We appear so you don’t have to: most petty tickets can be handled without you missing work.
  • Negotiation leverage: clean record, proof of insurance or repairs, defensive driving completion, and discovery issues.
  • Post-case follow-through: we verify the clerk entry, Secretary of State record update, and insurance cleanup.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Penalties and procedures vary by county and judge.

Common Illinois Traffic Violations We Handle

Below are the most frequent ticket types we defend throughout Cook, DuPage, Will, Kane, and Lake Counties. Click any topic to learn more about penalties, defenses, and potential outcomes.

Why Hire Illinois Ticket Pro Attorneys

  • We appear in court for you—most clients never need to attend.
  • Thousands of tickets successfully defended across Illinois.
  • Flat-fee quotes for most traffic offenses—no surprises.
  • Experienced attorneys familiar with every local courthouse.
  • 24/7 chat and same-day consultations available.

Our traffic defense team includes former prosecutors and experienced trial lawyers who understand how Illinois judges and officers handle ticket cases. We build leverage for dismissals, reductions, or supervision based on the facts, officer testimony, and procedural errors.

Our Traffic Defense Process

  1. Free Consultation & License Check — We review your driving record, confirm court date and ticket type, and determine eligibility for dismissal or supervision.
  2. File Appearance — We appear in court for you (in most cases) and manage all filings and communications with the prosecutor and clerk.
  3. Negotiation & Review — We evaluate officer reports and seek reduction, amendment, or dismissal based on evidence and your driving history.
  4. Resolution — Outcomes may include dismissal, reduction to non-moving violation, or supervision to avoid conviction.
  5. Post-Case Follow-Up — We ensure your record reflects the proper disposition and assist with reinstatement or insurance cleanup if needed.

From start to finish, you’ll know exactly where your case stands. We simplify the process, keep communication fast through chat or text, and protect your driving privileges every step of the way.

Illinois Traffic Ticket FAQs

Should I just pay my traffic ticket?

Paying a ticket is the same as pleading guilty. The conviction goes on your driving record and can increase insurance rates for years. Most tickets can be dismissed, reduced, or handled through supervision with help from an attorney.

Will my license be suspended for a traffic ticket?

It depends on your record and the number of moving violations. Three convictions in 12 months can trigger a suspension for drivers over 21; two within 24 months can suspend drivers under 21. CDL drivers face even stricter rules.

Do I have to go to court?

In many cases, your attorney can appear for you. For minor tickets, your presence is often waived entirely. For more serious offenses, we guide you through exactly what to expect.

Can a lawyer get my ticket dismissed?

Often, yes. Dismissals may occur through officer non-appearance, procedural errors, or negotiations for amendments to non-moving violations. Every county and case type differs, but a skilled attorney knows how to position your case for the best outcome.

What if I’m a CDL driver?

CDL drivers face stricter standards—supervision still counts as a conviction for CDL purposes. We focus on protecting your commercial license through reductions, trial, or procedural defenses specific to your route and vehicle type.

What if I missed my court date?

Don’t panic—most missed appearances can be reopened with a motion to vacate. We can often get warrants or license holds lifted and reset the case for proper defense.

Chat With a Traffic Attorney Now

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