A little less then a year ago, the Chicago Tribune did an expose on people who like to drive fast. As in 40+mph over the speed limit. In legal terms, that offense is Aggravated Speeding. It used to be, that if you had a clean traffic history, that both the State and the Judge would be lenient, often amending the charge to a regular speeding offense and offer a period of court supervision, which would in turn lower the fine and allow you to avoid having a Class A Misdemeanor on your record. Not to mention that your vehicle insurance wouldn’t be notified and your premiums wouldn’t increase.
Because a few bad eggs ruined it for the masses, come January, you will no longer be eligible for supervision as this offense carries a mandatory conviction. The result? A Class A Misdemeanor on your record as well as increased insurance premiums. Even if your traffic history had been stellar to date. For those who are unaware of the sentencing range on a Class A Misdemeanor – that’s up to a year in jail and a $2500.00 fine.
Note that I do not condone driving in excess of 40 mph over the speed limit anywhere. Not only is it unsafe, but our roads are not made for that kind of driving. However, I don’t think that people should be penalized if they have an otherwise clear record. You can read the full article here.
It is my understanding that when the legislature was discussing amending the penalties and fines for the offense of aggravated speeding, there were a few State Representatives who were vocal about offering leniency to good drivers and somehow flagging their traffic abstract so that in the event that they received another ticket, the penalty would be stiffer. This of course, would require the Illinois Secretary of State to modify the existing traffic abstract template. No one went for it.
This new change in the law is especially disturbing to me as the Illinois Criminal Code allows for supervision on most Class A Misdemeanor offenses if the offender has a clean record. Crimes like assault, battery, retail theft, possession of marijuana under 30 grams, etc are all Class A Misdemeanors. And, for those, you can get court supervision (which is later expungeable). Get a ticket for aggravated speeding? Sorry. You’re out of luck.
This Chicago Attorney finds this new change fishy. Just another way to mess with the good people of Illinois and line the State’s pockets with more money via increased fines and court costs.
If you or a friend find yourself arrested for the offense of aggravated speeding or any other traffic or criminal offense, contact Attorney Tatiana D. Czaplicki at 312.672.9628 for a free consultation.
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To learn more about Tatiana Czaplicki and the Law Office of Tatiana D. Czaplicki, PC, go to www.czaplickilaw.com or click here to be redirected automatically. Or, contact me directly at 312.672.9628