Speeding Ticket Lawyer in Chicago
Fight your speeding ticket and keep points off your record with trusted legal representation.
Even the most cautious drivers can end up with a speeding ticket. Maybe you were running late, trying to make it to an appointment, stuck in traffic and speeding up once it cleared, or simply going with the flow of traffic. Sometimes you do not even realize how fast you were going until the flashing lights appear behind you. Whatever the reason, an Illinois speeding ticket can lead to fines, higher insurance rates, and points on your driving record.
Rushing or following the pace of traffic are not valid legal defenses, but that does not mean you have to accept the ticket and pay the fine. You have options, and an experienced Chicago speeding ticket lawyer can help you use them.
At Kovacevic Law, we handle speeding and traffic cases throughout Cook County and the greater Chicagoland area. We know the courts, the local procedures, and how prosecutors handle these cases. This local experience allows us to craft effective strategies designed to reduce your penalties, protect your driving record, and keep your insurance premiums from rising.
How a Chicago Speeding Ticket Lawyer Can Strengthen Your Case
Most people assume a speeding ticket is a small issue, but traffic cases in Illinois can quickly become more complicated than they appear. A Chicago speeding ticket lawyer knows how to examine every detail and identify problems that can work in your favor. The goal is to prevent points on your license, avoid a criminal record, protect your insurance rates, and keep you on the road.
At Kovacevic Law, we start by carefully reviewing the ticket, the circumstances of the stop, and the method the officer used to determine your speed. Police often rely on radar, lidar, pacing, or visual estimates, and each one has strict rules for accuracy. If the device was not calibrated correctly, if the officer was poorly positioned, or if the speed reading was not documented properly, these weaknesses can become powerful tools in your defense.
We also look at whether the stop itself was lawful. If the officer lacked a valid reason to pull you over, the entire case may be undermined. In many situations, we can negotiate to reduce the charge, minimize the penalties, or secure an outcome that avoids points on your driving record.
Every case is different, and your strategy should be too. Our team builds a plan that aligns with your goals, whether that means protecting your CDL, avoiding a misdemeanor conviction, or keeping your insurance rates from rising. With experience in courts across Cook County and Chicagoland, we know how to position your case for the best possible result.
For a free legal consultation with a Criminal Defense lawyer serving the Chicagoland area, call (312) 344-3340.
Start Your Case
Frequently asked questions
Will a speeding ticket affect my driving record?
Yes, a speeding ticket can affect your driving record. Any guilty plea or conviction for a moving violation, including both petty speeding and aggravated speeding, will add points to your Illinois driving record. These points are tracked by the Illinois Secretary of State, and accumulating too many can lead to a license suspension.
For drivers 21 and older, three convictions within a 12-month period can trigger a suspension. Drivers under 21 face even stricter rules, with only two convictions needed before a suspension is issued. The length of your suspension depends on the total number of points you have:
- 0 to 14 points: No suspension
- 15 to 44 points: 2-month suspension
- 45 to 74 points: 3-month suspension
- 75 to 89 points: 6-month suspension
- 90 to 99 points: 9-month suspension
- 100 or more points: 12-month suspension
The number of points you receive for speeding depends on how far over the posted limit you were:
- 1 to 10 mph over: 5 points
- 11 to 14 mph over: 15 points
- 15 to 25 mph over: 20 points
- More than 25 mph over: 50 points
- More than 35 mph over: 50 points
Additional points can apply if you were speeding in protected areas:
- School zone speeding: 20 points
- Construction or work zone speeding: 20 points
- Park zone speeding: 20 points
- Aggravated speeding in a school zone: 55 points
- Aggravated speeding in a construction zone: 55 points
Because points add up quickly, even a single speeding ticket can push you closer to a suspension. This is why many drivers choose to work with a Chicago speeding ticket attorney who can fight the charge and help protect their driving record.
How long does a speeding violation stay on your record?
In Illinois, speeding tickets and other moving violations stay on your driving record for four to five years from the date of conviction. These points remain active during that period, which means an old violation can still count against you even if you have not been pulled over in years.
This can lead to long-term consequences. For example, imagine you received 50 points three years ago for a serious offense such as failing to render aid. You then go several years without any issues. Over the past 12 months, you receive a ticket for tailgating worth 25 points and another ticket for an improper turn worth 10 points. If you then receive a petty speeding ticket worth 15 more points, that would be your third violation within a year. Your license would be suspended based on the recent violations, and the 50 points from several years ago would still be counted in your total. With 100 points on your record, you would be facing a 12-month suspension.
This is why even minor violations can have serious consequences when they accumulate over time. If you receive a speeding ticket or any moving violation, it can be helpful to speak with an Illinois traffic attorney who can review your situation, protect your driving record, and help you avoid a suspension.
What Is court supervision and am I eligible?
Court supervision is an alternative sentence that allows you to avoid a conviction for a traffic violation if you meet certain requirements. When you receive court supervision, you are placed under the court’s oversight for a set period that can range from three months to two years. During this time, you may be required to pay a fine, attend traffic safety school, or complete other conditions. If you successfully complete supervision, the charge will not result in a conviction on your driving record or your criminal record, which is especially important if you were cited for aggravated speeding.
Although court supervision is often considered a favorable outcome, it is not the right fit for everyone. Some drivers, including those who rely on a clean record for employment, may face professional consequences even with supervision. In addition, supervision is not available for certain offenses such as speeding in a school zone or other restricted areas.
Because the impact of supervision varies from person to person, it is important to choose a strategy that fits your situation. At Kovacevic Law, our Chicago speeding ticket attorneys take the time to understand your goals, your driving record, and the details of your citation. If court supervision is not in your best interest, we look for ways to challenge the ticket, negotiate alternatives, or determine whether fighting the case at trial gives you the best chance of protecting your license.
Every traffic case is different, and the right solution depends on your specific needs. Our team draws on extensive experience in Illinois traffic courts to guide you toward the outcome that best protects your record and your ability to drive.
Do I need a speeding ticket lawyer if I received my ticket in Chicago or the surrounding suburbs?
Having a local attorney is extremely helpful when you get a speeding ticket in Chicago or in any other surrounding suburbs.A speeding ticket lawyer understands how these courts operate, how local prosecutors approach cases, and what types of outcomes judges are likely to consider. This local knowledge allows your attorney to negotiate more effectively, look for weaknesses in the evidence, and work toward reducing or dismissing your charges. Local representation also saves you time, since your lawyer can often appear in court on your behalf.
Which Chicago-area courts handle speeding tickets, and can a local attorney appear on my behalf?
Speeding tickets in the Chicago area are usually handled in Cook County courthouses such as the Daley Center in downtown Chicago, as well as Rolling Meadows, Skokie, Maywood, and Bridgeview. Each courthouse has its own processes and expectations, which is why hiring an attorney who regularly practices in these courts can make a significant difference. In many cases, a Chicago speeding ticket lawyer can appear for you, meaning you may not need to attend court yourself. This can be especially helpful for drivers with busy schedules or those who want to avoid missing work.