Lake County DMV Point System Attorney

Skilled Traffic Defense Attorney Explains Illinois Point System

Illinois, along with most other states, implements a point system that assigns a specific number of points to those who are convicted of a traffic offense. States do vary widely on how their point systems are set up and implemented. As an example, a reckless driving conviction in Florida will garner you four points while the same offense in Illinois is 55 points. Points accrue on your driving record, and, should you accrue enough points, you could have your driver's license suspended. In short, every time you receive a conviction for a moving violation, you receive points. If you receive too many points within any 12-month period, you will find yourself with no way to attend to your day-to-day issues including work, school, and running errands. The length of your driver's license suspension will depend on how many points you are assigned.

At The Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C., we have a solid understanding of the Illinois DMV point system and have a goal of minimizing the points you will receive on your driving record. Our Buffalo Grove traffic violation attorney has been helping people in the same situation as you for over two decades. Prior to embarking on his criminal defense practice, Matthew R. Gebhardt served as a prosecutor for more than five years.

Having both types of legal experience makes Attorney Gebhardt that much more able to help you avoid any negative consequences of your traffic offenses, obtaining a much more favorable outcome. Matthew R. Gebhardt understands that while many people consider traffic offenses minor issues, they can have serious consequences to your life and your future.

Illinois Point System for Traffic Offenses

The severity of the offense will determine the number of points assigned to your driving record. Below are examples of the Illinois DMV point system:

• Driving recklessly - 55 points;
• Speeding more than 25 miles above the speed limit - 50 points;
• Failure to stop and render aid (with injury or death) - 50 points;
• Failure to stop and render aid (after an accident with property damage only) - 25 points;
• Possession of an open alcohol container - 25 points;
• Failure to obey traffic signs - 20 points;
• Failure to stay in the proper lane - 20 points;
• Speeding 15-25 miles over the limit - 20 points;
• Speeding 11-14 miles over the limit - 15 points; and
• Speeding 10 miles or less over the limit - 5 points.

If you are over the age of 21 and receive three convictions for traffic offenses within any 12-month period, your license could potentially be suspended. The length of time your license will be suspended depends on the number of points you have accrued. From 15 to 44 points, you will receive a two-month suspension. From 45 to 74 points, you will receive a three-month suspension. 75 to 89 points will result in a six-month suspension. 90 to 99 points will result in a nine-month suspension, and if you accrue more than 100 points, you will receive a 12-month license suspension.

Collateral Consequences of Traffic Points in Illinois

Aside from a license suspension, another serious consequence of a conviction that adds points to your driving record is that your automobile insurance rates increase every time points are added. The insurance companies believe that the more points you have, the more likely you are to be in an accident, so they cover their risk by increasing your rates.

Meet With a Buffalo Grove, Illinois DMV Point Defense Lawyer

At The Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C., we will work to negotiate a reduction in charges to any traffic violation that would add points to your record upon conviction. Our firm can petition the court to place you under court supervision, potentially resulting in the dismissal of your ticket. We can employ a number of other defenses on your behalf to prevent you from suffering the consequences of a license suspension. Contact our Buffalo Grove traffic violation defense lawyer or call 847-239-4703 to set up your free initial consultation.