Naperville School Bus Violations Defense Lawyer

Experienced Attorney for School Bus Violations in Naperville, IL

We all have lapses in judgment sometimes. Going around a school bus might not seem like a big deal if nobody was hurt, but the aftermath of a traffic ticket can leave you much worse off than before. Illinois harshly penalizes passing a stopped school bus, and the repercussions include fines starting as high as $300, traffic points on your license that can result in a suspension, and higher insurance payments. However, you have rights as a motorist in Illinois. When you receive a traffic ticket, the worst thing you can do is pay it, since this will be an automatic conviction and admission of guilt.

Facing the courts alone is intimidating. A skilled traffic defense attorney can walk with you every step of the way and represent you fairly before a judge. Attorney Craig Boston has been practicing traffic law in Naperville for over 15 years, and he has a deep understanding of how the courts will handle your case. With more than 300 5-star reviews, he has made a name for himself as an aggressive advocate and an approachable professional outside of court.

Understanding School Bus Violations

In Illinois, you can be cited with a traffic violation for passing a stopped school bus with flashing red lights or an extended stop arm. These signals indicate that the driver is picking up or dropping off children, and drivers are required to take extra care to protect the safety of the bus's passengers. This law applies in parking lots as well as standard roadways. Exceptions are made for four-lane highways, and on these roads, drivers in the opposing lanes are under no obligation to stop.

What Are the Penalties for a School Bus Violation?

Passing a stopped school bus is a petty offense, meaning it is a crime without any associated jail time. However, a conviction will still go on your driving record. For a first offense, you can expect to pay no less than $300, not including court costs. For subsequent offenses, this amount jumps to $1,000. A conviction for a school bus violation will result in an automatic license suspension, regardless of the driver's previous history. A three-month suspension will apply for a first offense, and a one-year suspension will be imposed for every subsequent conviction.

Given the highly disruptive nature of a license suspension, you should consult with a reliable traffic defense lawyer if you have been charged with a school bus violation. Our legal professional can help you fight against the charges, giving you much more control over the outcome than if you simply pay the ticket.

Lastly, school bus violations are notable among traffic offenses in Illinois because court supervision is not an option in sentencing. Court supervision is a favorable outcome for most traffic cases because it does not result in a conviction. However, due to the stricter enforcement around children's safety, a judge cannot order court supervision for a school bus violation. The same applies for construction zone violations, and these restrictions are meant to prioritize the safety of workers.

Speak With Our Naperville School Bus Violation Attorney

Even though it is a petty offense, passing a school bus illegally can lead to serious consequences if the charge goes uncontested. With that in mind, you should always make sure to have a skilled lawyer at your side who can fight to have the sentence reduced or dropped.

Attorney Craig L. Boston is proud to represent the people of Naperville, using his breadth of knowledge in traffic law to keep drivers on the road. He works as a solo practitioner and handles every case individually, and he is committed to treating you with the respect that you deserve. If you have any questions about a pending traffic violation, contact the Law Office of Craig L. Boston at 630-445-2295 for a complimentary consultation.