Get free answers to your Traffic Tickets legal questions from lawyers in your area.
Under the Illinois Vehicle Code, what are the guidelines for the enforcement of traffic violations related to existing stop signs on residential private property? Specifically, what conditions must be in place for law enforcement to enforce traffic laws regarding these stop signs on private... View More
I was involved in my first traffic offense where I was uninsured and caused property damage to a car. The damage involved was car property damage, and I have a clean record until now. I have been given a court date. Will I go to jail for this offense?

answered on Apr 4, 2025
Assuming the citation was issued in Illinois, almost certainly not. That is probably the case in Wisconsin but I do not practice in Wisconsin so I cannot tell you. That said, you must immediately make arrangements with the other driver or his insurance carrier to make payments on the debt or... View More
I am concerned about whether I will go to jail for a first offense traffic misdemeanor involving an accident where I was uninsured and there was property damage. Are there specific penalties I should be aware of in my situation?

answered on Apr 3, 2025
I doubt there would be jail.
Purchase insurance and bring proof to court. That will avoid a license suspension. However, you will have to carry SR 22 for three years
You may run into problems down the road if the other driver had insurance who pays for the damages. The insurance... View More
I'm seeking advice on whether my driver's license can be reinstated in Illinois after defaulting on an installment agreement regarding an uninsured motor vehicle accident. Although it has been over 5 years since the accident and I've made partial monthly payments, my license was... View More
I received a "driving too fast for conditions" citation after my car slid on a snowy day while I was making a right turn into a driveway and crashed into a car stopped at a stop sign. No one was injured, and this is my first driving infraction. The police were called, a report was filed,... View More

answered on Mar 19, 2025
Other driver probably will not show up and the ticket will be dismissed. Otherwise ask for court supervision.
I was pulled over for suspended registration due to an insurance lapse on March 19, 2025. I was unaware that my insurance had lapsed because my auto-payment was declined. After being pulled over, I immediately obtained a new insurance policy on the same day. I have no previous history of lapsed... View More

answered on Mar 19, 2025
You are eligible for supervision. there will be a fine plus you will have to carry SR 22 for three years. if you take a conviction the fine will be less, your license will be suspended for 3 months and you will not have to carry SR 22
I received a traffic ticket for improper left yield near my driveway, which resulted in a collision with another car in Illinois. The ticket doesn't mention the cost, and there were no injuries reported. I have no previous traffic violations and have been instructed to appear in court. What... View More

answered on Mar 17, 2025
Most likely, if you had insurance covering the accident, the other driver will not show up and the ticket will be dismissed. If the other driver shows that show up you can request court supervision. The consequences will be a small fine. The amount depends on factors that vary by courthouse.
I received a citation in Illinois for having an open container in my vehicle while I was with a friend. I’ve never had a similar violation before. I'm concerned about the impact this may have on my insurance, the cost of the ticket, and how it might affect my record. Can you provide guidance... View More

answered on Mar 13, 2025
Ask for court supervision. A conviction has many potential negative consequences that supervision avoids.
I am a 22-year-old male who engaged in text messaging with a 17-year-old girl from Illinois, while I am from North Carolina. The texts were mutually sexual but also relationship-like. The girl's parents have taken legal action, and I failed to appear in court in Illinois. I was recently pulled... View More
I was pulled over because my plate was suspended, which I was unaware of, but I only received a ticket for no insurance. I have already had a court hearing regarding the no insurance charge. Can a judge still order me to obtain an SR-22?

answered on Feb 28, 2025
It is not the judge who orders it. The safety responsibility law requires anybody who receives court supervision for no insurance ticket and then later purchases insurance and brings proof to court to carry SR 22. If on the other hand, you had insurance at the time of the ticket and simply did... View More
I was issued a ticket and had my 2002 Chevy Silverado 1500 impounded because the truck didn’t have mud flaps. I was told I needed to have them, even though the truck did not come with mud flaps from the factory. The impoundment was also due to my revoked license. I haven't contested the... View More

answered on Feb 28, 2025
You were towed because you were driving revoked. The mud flaps are are the least of your problems.
I recently received a ticket in Illinois for driving 25 mph over the speed limit. I have a relatively clean record, although I had a fender bender about 4 years ago and a couple of tickets in 2017. I am considering my options for possibly getting the charges dropped or having the fines reduced, but... View More

answered on Feb 28, 2025
Probably well offer you court supervision. It isn’t a conviction so there’s no point, but it does show up on your record that the police have access to, but not the general public.

answered on Feb 9, 2025
If under 21 years old, the second conviction within a 24 month period will cause a suspension. It’s important to try for court supervision on the ticket you receive because supervision does not count as a conviction. So the correct question is not how many moving violations it’s how many moving... View More
During a traffic stop where I was a passenger in the back seat, the vehicle's owner was in the front seat, and her ex-boyfriend acted as the driver The officer observed the driver swaying close to the lines but did not cross the center line. Upon request, the driver was unable to produce a... View More

answered on Feb 2, 2025
one of the better descriptions of an incident that I have seen. That being said, if no charges were filed, there is nothing much of a legal nature to address.
Driver that hit me was ticketed for revoked license, and disregarding stop sign. I went via ambulance to er. Other driver showed up in same er and was loud and unruly and had to be restrained, as she threatened me. My car was totaled and her insurance would not cover her. I have suffered... View More

answered on Jan 29, 2025
No. Judges are not allowed to read letters. You can show up for her court date if it is still pending. Or you can contact the states attorney about a Victim Impact Statement.

answered on Jan 28, 2025
Most likely yes. In almost all instances, police agencies have shared jurisdiction agreements. Also, if he sees a violation occur in his jurisdiction, he is entitled to pursue you in another jurisdiction.
I have a clean record but have not had my license for a year yet. I got pulled over this morning for running a stop sign, the ticket was only for the stop sign and not speeding. Should I plead guilty, or go to court and if so what should I do? This is my first time so I am unaware of everything.... View More

answered on Jan 15, 2025
hello.
go to court and request court supervision. The ticket will go on your record but will not count against you.
A parent or guardian must be with you. And you will have to take a special safe driving course that the judge will explain to you. And there will be a fine that... View More
Our minor(17) son is currently living with a different guardian. We found out that he took responsibility for a single car crash where one of his friends left the scene(presumably alcohol related). The friend's father hired an attorney for our son. Aside from the fact that I believe this means... View More

answered on Dec 5, 2024
No one asks who hired the lawyer. Either the person has one or, if jail is a possibility, one is appointed. If you want to object I suppose you can go to court and do so, but I would think you should talk to your kid's lawyer first.
Are all 3 points of argument criteria and requirements? Or is only one point of argument to be chosen and focused upon? And then how far do I go into detail in solidifying my argument? I mean if the entire arrest was unlawful and the officer literally did everything imaginable wrong as far as... View More

answered on Dec 3, 2024
Although local practices can vary, in general, the petition itself is just a check the box exercise. Then you file a supporting legal memorandum as a separate document. In your case, it also sounds like you should also be filing a motion to suppress.
To be honest with you, the chances... View More
I got a court date and a $1000 charge for driving with a suspended license plate. The plate was suspended for lack of insurance. Shortly after my license plate was threatened with suspension, I acquired insurance. I had no knowledge that my plates were suspended until the officer who pulled me over... View More

answered on Nov 21, 2024
They probably required you to obtain a special type of insurance called SR 22. If you only had regular insurance and they wanted SR 22, that would not have fixed the problem
Justia Ask A Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get free answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask A Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between Justia and you, or between any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions and you, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask A Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.