On January 1, 2104 a new law in Illinois came into effect making it a class B misdemeanor to drive 26 mph over the speed limit. This changes the old Illinois law that only made speeding a misdemeanor when going at least 30mpoh over the speed limit. The potential penalties for driving 26mph over the speed limit now include a $1,500 fine and 180 days in jail. Court supervision is no longer available to a driver ticketed for driving 26mph over the speed limit under the new law as well.
During a court appearance for speeding 26 mph over the speed limit a Will County judge will explain to the driver that he is facing a misdemeanor offense punishable by a jail sentence, and continue the case for legal counsel. The Will County judge will sometimes require the driver to retain counsel because the court wants to reserve the right to sentence the driver to jail.
A resident of Joliet or Will County who is ticketed for driving 26 mph over the speed limit will want to consult an attorney on his best course of action. An attorney may be able to get the ticket reduced so the driver can get supervision, may be able to get the fine reduced or potentially get the ticket dismissed.
Speeding has in recent years become a political hot button issue which has led to the increase in penalties for violating the posted speed limit. If you are a Joliet or Will County resident and have been ticketed for driving 26 mph over the speed limit, contact Hamilton and Antonsen at 815.729.9220 to set up a free consultation.
Written by Michael Pollock