When Is Aggravated Speeding a Criminal Offense?

 Posted on April 25, 2023 in Traffic violations

Getting pulled over in Illinois for driving over the speed limit, can lead to arrest because it is considered a criminal offense. And while this does not happen often, if someone is arrested for excessive speeding, there are likely aggravating circumstances such as weaving through traffic. In 2020, 11,258 people were killed because of speed-related traffic crashes. There are circumstances in which speeding is more than a traffic violation and a driver could face jail time, and risk losing their driver’s license. In Illinois, aggravated speeding is a crime that results in misdemeanor criminal charges. If you're driving in Illinois, it's important to be aware of the consequences of receiving an aggravated speeding conviction.

What Is Considered Excessive Speeding?

If you're driving in Illinois, it's important to be aware of the consequences of aggravated speeding. Depending on how far over the speed limit you are traveling, it can result in either a Class B or Class A misdemeanor.

If you're caught driving 26 to 35 miles per hour over the speed limit, you may be charged with a Class B misdemeanor, which can lead to fines of up to $1,500 and up to half a year in jail. If you're caught driving 35 miles per hour or more over the speed limit, it is considered a Class A misdemeanor with fines up to $2,500 and up to a year in jail.

In most cases, an officer will write a citation for aggravated speeding and take the person's driver's license as a bond. This means that the driver must appear in court and may have to pay a bond to get their license back.

It's important to note that if someone is injured as a result of aggravated speeding, the driver may be charged with a felony. This can lead to more severe legal consequences, including significant fines and potentially even imprisonment.

How Aggravated Speeding Impacts Driving Privileges

According to the Illinois Secretary of State, a speeding conviction is considered a strike against your driver's license. In the case of aggravated speeding offenses, which can include driving 26 miles per hour or more over the speed limit, 50 points will be added to your driving privileges.

For minors, two convictions for moving violations within two years can result in a license suspension. If you are an adult and convicted of aggravated speeding three times in one year, your license will be suspended. If you accumulate more than 110 points on your driver's license, your license may be revoked for at least one year. To reinstate your driving privileges, you'll need to attend a hearing before the Secretary of State.

In addition to the potential of losing your driving privileges, you'll also face mandatory court costs and a higher car insurance premium.

Contact an Elgin, IL, Aggravated Speeding Lawyer

Aggravated speeding is a serious charge that can impact your life. You need a skilled Kane County aggravated speeding attorney who is committed to finding every possible way to reduce the charges you are facing. The Law Office of Brian J. Mirandola will mitigate the negative effect this offense can have on your future. Call 847-488-0889 for a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/speeding

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=062500050K11-601.5