Waukegan, IL Aggravated Speeding Defense Attorney

Skilled Aggravated Speeding Defense Lawyer for Clients in Waukegan, Illinois

Many drivers fail to realize that they are speeding when they are keeping pace with other vehicles on the road. However, going too far above the speed limit can result in criminal and administrative penalties, threatening your freedom and your driving privileges. A Waukegan aggravated speeding defense lawyer can assess the charges against you and explore your best options to protect your rights.

If you are looking for an experienced traffic defense lawyer, consider working with Law Office of Theodore S. Potkonjak. Our attorney has over 40 years of legal experience, and he previously served as a prosecutor for years, giving him a clear idea of how to strategize in criminal defense cases.

How Is Speeding Prosecuted in Illinois?

In Illinois, most speeding violations are civil offenses handled through fines and court costs, but certain high-speed offenses cross into criminal territory. When a driver exceeds the posted limit by 26 to 34 miles per hour, the State treats the violation as aggravated speeding, a Class B misdemeanor. Conviction can carry up to six months in county jail, fines of up to $1,500, and a permanent criminal record.

Exceeding the limit by 35 miles per hour or more escalates the charge to a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in county jail and fines as high as $2,500. Both misdemeanor levels may also include court-mandated traffic school, community service, or probation. Since criminal convictions can influence employment opportunities, professional licensing, and housing applications, protecting your criminal record is paramount. Even a single misdemeanor can cast a long shadow over your future beyond the initial penalties.

How Aggravated Speeding Can Affect Your Driving Privileges

Aggravated speeding in Illinois carries 50 points under the Secretary of State's point system. Points remain active for five years from the date of conviction. If you accumulate three traffic-related convictions—including any combination of speeding, aggravated speeding, or other moving violations—within a year, the Secretary of State may summarily suspend your driver's license depending on how many points you have accumulated from prior offenses. If you have more than 110 points on your record, your license will be revoked.

License suspensions can last several months, leaving you without reliable transportation and potentially jeopardizing your job or family responsibilities. Even after serving a suspension, your driving privileges may remain restricted, and insurance companies often view high-point infractions as evidence of risky behavior, resulting in sharply increased premiums.

What Should I Do if I Am Accused of Aggravated Speeding?

If you are pulled over and accused of aggravated speeding in Waukegan, it is critical to exercise your rights immediately. Politely inform the officer that you wish to remain silent and that you want to speak with an attorney before answering questions. Do not admit fault or discuss the details of the stop without legal counsel present.

Then, you will have to prepare your defense. Our attorney can explore your avenues to defend against an aggravated speeding charge, such as:

• Reviewing calibration records to verify that radar or lidar equipment was properly maintained and certified.
• Challenging the officer's reason for initiating the traffic stop to determine whether there was reasonable suspicion of a moving violation.
• Gathering witness statements or video footage that may contradict the officer's observations of your speed or driving behavior.

Taking these steps with an experienced Waukegan criminal defense attorney can help you minimize or avoid the severe consequences of aggravated speeding, preserving both your driving privileges and your future opportunities.

Contact a Waukegan Aggravated Speeding Defense Lawyer

At Law Office of Theodore S. Potkonjak, we can help you take on serious traffic crimes like aggravated speeding and similar offenses like reckless driving. To set up a complimentary consultation, contact our Waukegan, IL aggravated speeding defense attorney or call us at 847-263-1200. Beyond Waukegan, we also handle cases in Lake County, McHenry County, Cook County, and DuPage County.