Unusual Traffic Violation: Woman Stopped for a Tree in Her Grille

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in DUI

It is virtually impossible for most people to imagine what an average day in the life of a law enforcement officer is really like. There is, of course, an increased level of danger compared to many other occupations, since even the most routine traffic stops can quickly turn violent or even deadly. Sometimes, however, a traffic stop is almost too outrageous to really comprehend. Such was the case earlier this year when police in Roselle pulled over a woman who was driving with a tree stuck in the front of her car.

"It Was a Big Tree"

In late January, a woman was pulled over by Roselle police on Roselle Road near Irving Park Road. According to the report filed by the police department, the woman was "stopped for driving with a large tree embedded in the front grille." The responding officers took photos of the situation which were later posted to the Roselle Police Department’s Facebook page just a few days ago. The photos show what appears to be about a 15-foot tree rising vertically from the hood of the woman’s 2004 Lincoln.

The woman allegedly told the officers that she hit the tree somewhere in her hometown of Schaumburg, but could not remember exactly where. Police reports indicate the woman subsequently failed sobriety testing and was arrested for driving under the influence. She is scheduled to appear in court in DuPage County next month.

Potential Penalties

Even if the woman had not been arrested for DUI, she could have still potentially been cited for reckless driving. Reckless driving in Illinois is defined as operating "any vehicle with a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property." Without causing serious injury, reckless driving is a Class A misdemeanor, the conviction of which carries penalties of up to one year in prison and fines of up to $2,500.

A conviction on DUI charges can be even more serious, despite also being classified as a Class A misdemeanor. The potential for prison time and fines would be the same as a conviction of reckless driving, with the addition of a mandatory one-year revocation of driving privileges. Aggravating factors, including the presence of child passengers or causing an accident, can result in substantially increased penalties.

Cited for a Traffic Violation?

If you have received a citation for a serious traffic violation or are facing charges of DUI, contact an experienced Elgin criminal defense attorney. We will review your case, help you explore your available options, and work with you in finding the best route for protecting your future. Call The The Law Office of Brian J. Mirandola today at 847-488-0889 to schedule your free initial consultation.

Sources:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/ct-roselle-car-with-tree-wedged-in-grill-0308-20160307-story.html

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=062500050K11-503

https://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/pdf_publications/dsd_a118.pdf