Naperville Reckless Driving Defense Attorney

Traffic Violation Lawyer for Reckless Driving Charges in Naperville, IL

A reckless driving conviction can impose a heavy burden on your everyday life. Even if it was an honest mistake, the lasting repercussions of a misdemeanor or felony on your record can hurt your chances for employment and leave you drowning in fines. However, you have options other than pleading guilty before an unsympathetic court of law. A legal representative can evaluate the facts of your case and argue in your best interests, working to protect your freedom and your finances.

Attorney Craig L. Boston is a traffic defense lawyer based in Naperville who handles all kinds of traffic law cases, including charges of reckless driving. Craig has worked both sides of the bench as a former DuPage County prosecutor, and with over a decade of experience, he can help determine the best ways to defend against traffic charges.

What Constitutes Reckless Driving in Illinois?

According to state law, reckless driving is defined as any driving characterized by "a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property." This is a broad definition that covers many situations. The law also specifically outlines cases where a driver intentionally goes airborne using a ramp, incline, or railroad crossing. Some other acts that may result in a reckless driving citation include:

• Excessive speeding
• Swerving and other improper lane changes
• Negligent behavior behind the wheel, such as texting
• Ignoring traffic signs and stoplights

How Serious Is a Reckless Driving Charge?

On its own, reckless driving is a Class A misdemeanor, which is just a step below a felony. It carries the potential for up to a year of prison and no more than $2,500 in fines, both of which can be a traumatic setback to your life. The charge can be upgraded to a Class 4 felony if a child or school crossing guard suffered bodily harm as the result of reckless driving, or if anyone else suffered great bodily harm (permanent damage or severe disfigurement). The charge increases to a Class 3 felony if a child or school crossing guard suffered great bodily harm.

In more severe cases, a felony can result in a fine of up to $25,000 and multiple years in prison. With this in mind, it is crucial to get legal help from an experienced traffic defense attorney who can help you determine what steps you can take to have the charges against you reduced or dismissed.

Defenses Against Reckless Driving

In cases of misdemeanor reckless driving, a driver may be eligible for court supervision. If court supervision is granted, the driver will be monitored by the court for a set period of time, usually several months. If no further moving violations take place during this period, the case against the driver will be dismissed without a conviction.

For a first offense of reckless driving, court supervision may be the ideal outcome. However, it comes with a caveat: in Illinois, you can only appeal for court supervision on charges of DUI or reckless driving once in your lifetime. This should be a serious consideration to discuss with your lawyer. Attorney Boston can advise you on whether seeking court supervision will be a good idea in your case.

Other defenses may be available based on the circumstances of your charge. A judge may show leniency if your lawyer can prove you made an honest error of judgment (like accidentally running a red light). Craig Boston can help you take steps to prove that your driving was not willful or wanton and that you should not be convicted of reckless driving.

Speak With a Naperville Reckless Driving Defense Lawyer Today

A single reckless driving conviction on your record can have lifelong consequences. When you face the risk of incarceration and the potential for thousands of dollars in fines, the stakes are high. Our seasoned traffic defense attorney can represent you in court to work to help you achieve the best possible outcome in your case. The Law Office of Craig L. Boston offers free consultations for cases involving traffic violations. Contact us at 630-445-2295 today.