Plainfield Traffic Defense Attorney

Experienced Traffic Violation Defense in Plainfield, IL

What starts out as a simple traffic violation can quickly turn into a threat to your driving privileges. The prospect of going to court is intimidating, especially if you feel alone and without representation. A seasoned traffic defense attorney can be your best advocate in the midst of a tense legal battle, providing you with much-needed guidance and putting up a fight against harsh penalties.

Attorney Craig L. Boston is a traffic defense attorney who has stood on both sides of the bench. He is a former DuPage County prosecutor now acting as a defense attorney for clients in Plainfield. With over 300 5-Star Google reviews, previous clients have praised his aggressive defense in court and his approachable personality at his office. As a solo practitioner, he assesses every case personally, ensuring that none of your concerns get passed off to someone else.

Traffic Offenses Concerning Marijuana

Recreational cannabis usage became legal in Illinois in 2020. As the law evolves to accommodate recreational marijuana, drivers should remain aware of what is and is not allowed in a vehicle.

The first thing worth noting is that cannabis is still subject to the same open container restrictions as beer. To transport medical or recreational cannabis, the law mandates that the container must be sealed, odor-proof, and child-resistant. If the container does not meet the specified criteria, you can be charged with unlawful transportation, a Class A misdemeanor with the potential for a year in jail and up to $2,500 in fines. An experienced traffic defense attorney can fight this charge by proving that the officer had no probable cause to pull you over, which is a violation of your civil rights. If you are convicted of unlawful transportation while under the legal smoking age, your license will be suspended for a year, and revoked entirely on a second offense.

Much like alcohol showing up in BAC tests, there is a specific metric for what is considered "under the influence" of marijuana, that being 5 or more nanograms of THC in your blood, or 10 nanograms in other bodily fluids such as saliva. If you are arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of cannabis, it may be in your best interests to refuse any chemical testing until you can consult with a legal professional. This may result in the suspension of your license for a year, but doing so will give the prosecution a harder case against you, and a skilled traffic defense attorney can work to have the charges dropped and your license reinstated.

Traffic Offenses Concerning Commercial Driver's Licenses

Commercial drivers, such as bus drivers and truck drivers, are subject to stricter laws than most other motorists in Illinois. Offenses related to a commercial driver's license are divided into "serious" and "major" offenses, with major offenses carrying greater consequences. Common serious offenses include:

• Reckless driving
• Tailgating
• Texting while operating a commercial vehicle
• Swerving between lanes and/or failure to use a turn signal

A single serious violation may not impact your commercial driver's license. However, a second serious violation within three years will result in a 60-day suspension of your CDL, and 120 days for a third offense.

Major offenses come with immediate consequences for those who are convicted. Common major offenses include:

• Fleeing the scene of an accident
• Driving under the influence (when driving a commercial vehicle, the legal for BAC is reduced by half)
• Committing a felony in any vehicle

A conviction for a major offense will result in a one-year CDL disqualification, which will almost certainly cost you your job. A second offense on your record will result in the permanent loss of your commercial driver's license. Regardless of whether the offense was serious or major, you should consult with a traffic defense lawyer who can help fight the charges against you.

Speak With a Plainfield, IL Traffic Ticket Defense Lawyer

The fallout of a traffic violation can seriously disrupt your life, but a skilled traffic defense lawyer can work with you to help you reach the best resolution in your case. Attorney Craig L. Boston has saved people thousands of dollars in the courtroom as a defender of motorists' rights. To schedule a free consultation, call 630-445-2295 or contact us online.