Naperville Driving Without Insurance Defense Attorney

Trusted Traffic Attorney for Uninsured Drivers in Naperville, IL

In Illinois, vehicle owners are required to maintain insurance coverage, and this law is meant to encourage responsible driving. Driving without valid insurance is a serious traffic violation. A single conviction for this charge will set you back hundreds of dollars, and it will also result in the suspension of your license. When you are facing potential fines and the loss of your ability to drive, challenging the charges against you may seem intimidating.

A skilled traffic defense lawyer can be your best defense in the courtroom. Attorney Craig L. Boston has over 15 years of experience as a former prosecutor and current defense attorney. He uses all of his knowledge to defend his clients against harsh charges and help them secure the best outcomes possible. Every year, Craig takes on hundreds of traffic cases, working to protect the rights of drivers across Naperville.

What Counts as Driving Without Insurance?

In the state of Illinois, you must carry a minimum amount of liability insurance that covers the following:

• $25,000 for bodily injury per person
• $20,000 for property damage
• $50,000 for bodily injury per accident

It is important to note that if you have insurance coverage, you must be able to produce evidence of it during a traffic stop. It is important to keep your insurance card in a place where it is easily accessible, such as a glove compartment.

If you do not have insurance, or if your insurance does not meet the minimum criteria, you can be charged with a petty offense that can cost you between $500 and $1,000 and a license suspension for three months if you are convicted. For third and subsequent offenses, a fine of $1,000 will be imposed.

Under certain circumstances, charges of driving without insurance become more severe. If you caused bodily harm to someone else in an accident, and you were uninsured, you can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to a year in prison and $2,500 in fines.

Court Appearances for Driving Without Insurance

A ticket for driving without insurance will typically require you to appear in court. For a first offense, you may be eligible for court supervision, which is a period of time decided by the court where you agree not to incur any more traffic violations. At the end of the period of court supervision, the charge will be dropped and will not appear on your record. However, any subsequent charges of driving without insurance will not be eligible for court supervision.

For repeat offenses, you may be required to sign up for SR-22 insurance on the orders of the Secretary of State. SR-22 insurance serves as proof of financial responsibility that must be maintained for a few years to demonstrate that you have liability coverage. If you fail to maintain SR-22 coverage, your license will be suspended.

Reinstating Your License

Getting your license reinstated after driving without insurance can be a difficult process. In addition to any fines or court costs, you must pay $100 to the Secretary of State and show proof of insurance. For a third conviction and beyond, you must also obtain an SR-22 certificate that demonstrates your financial responsibility for three consecutive years.

Speak With a Naperville, Illinois Driving Without Insurance Lawyer Today

Though a petty offense for a traffic ticket may not seem devastating, the consequences can add up quickly. A suspended license strips you of reliable transportation, hurting your prospective employment. A conviction on your record can lead to steeper insurance costs, and a criminal record can damage your reputation and standing in the community.

Attorney Craig L. Boston has established himself as a strong advocate for drivers in Naperville. If you have any questions about a pending traffic violation, contact Craig at 630-445-2295 for a free consultation.