Traffic Violations

Charged with a Criminal Traffic Offense in Chicago? Andrew M. Weisberg Can Protect Your License and Your Freedom

Being charged with a criminal traffic offense in Chicago is far more serious than receiving an ordinary traffic ticket. Criminal traffic charges can result in jail time, a permanent criminal record, and the suspension or revocation of your driver’s license. For many people, the ability to drive is essential for work and family responsibilities, and a conviction can create long-term consequences that go far beyond the courtroom.

If you are facing criminal traffic charges in Cook County, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney who understands both the criminal court system and the Illinois Secretary of State license consequences. Andrew M. Weisberg is a former Cook County prosecutor who has successfully defended clients charged with DUI, reckless driving, driving on a suspended license, leaving the scene of an accident, and other serious criminal traffic offenses. He understands how prosecutors approach these cases and how to build an effective defense aimed at protecting both your record and your driving privileges.

Call (773) 908-9811 for a free consultation.

Criminal Traffic Charges Are Not Just Tickets

Many people are surprised to learn that certain traffic offenses are criminal cases rather than simple violations. Unlike minor traffic tickets, criminal traffic offenses require a court appearance before a judge and may involve arrest, bond court, or formal criminal charges.

A conviction can result in:

• Jail or prison time
• Substantial fines and court costs
• Probation or court supervision
• Driver’s license suspension or revocation
• Mandatory classes or treatment programs
• A permanent criminal record

Even a misdemeanor criminal traffic conviction can affect employment opportunities, insurance rates, and professional licensing. Because of these consequences, it is critical to take criminal traffic charges seriously from the very beginning.

Criminal Traffic Cases in Cook County

Cook County courts handle thousands of criminal traffic cases every year. Judges and prosecutors take these cases seriously because traffic offenses often involve public safety concerns. Cases involving accidents, alcohol, excessive speed, or injuries receive particularly close scrutiny.

Many criminal traffic cases arise from situations such as:

• Traffic stops
• Motor vehicle accidents
• DUI investigations
• Police pursuits
• License status violations
• Serious speeding violations

In some cases, drivers are charged even when the accident was not entirely their fault. Andrew M. Weisberg carefully analyzes police reports, witness statements, and physical evidence to determine whether the charges can be challenged or reduced.

Common Criminal Traffic Charges in Illinois

Illinois law classifies many traffic offenses as crimes rather than violations. Some of the most common criminal traffic charges include DUI, reckless driving, driving on a suspended license, and leaving the scene of an accident.

Driving Under the Influence – 625 ILCS 5/11-501

Driving under the influence is one of the most frequently charged criminal traffic offenses in Illinois. A first offense DUI is usually charged as a Class A misdemeanor and can result in:

• Up to 364 days in jail
• Fines of up to $2,500
• Driver’s license suspension
• Mandatory alcohol education or treatment
• Installation of a breath alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID)

DUI cases often involve technical legal issues such as traffic stops, field sobriety testing, and breath or blood testing procedures. Challenging these issues can be critical to achieving a favorable outcome.

Aggravated DUI – 625 ILCS 5/11-501

DUI becomes a felony when certain aggravating factors are present. These may include:

• Multiple prior DUI convictions
• Driving while license revoked for DUI
• DUI resulting in bodily harm
• DUI with a child passenger
• DUI without a valid driver’s license

Aggravated DUI carries potential prison sentences and long-term license revocation, making experienced legal representation essential.

Driving While License Suspended or Revoked – 625 ILCS 5/6-303

Driving on a suspended or revoked license is one of the most common criminal traffic charges in Cook County.

A first offense is typically a Class A misdemeanor punishable by:

• Up to 364 days in jail
• Fines up to $2,500
• Extended license suspension

Repeat offenses or cases involving DUI-related suspensions may be charged as felonies.

Many drivers charged with this offense were unaware of their license status or were trying to meet basic work or family obligations. These circumstances can be important in negotiating favorable outcomes.

Leaving the Scene of an Accident – 625 ILCS 5/11-401

Leaving the scene of an accident involving damage, injury, or death is a serious offense.

Penalties may include:

• Class A misdemeanor charges for property damage accidents
• Felony charges for accidents involving injury or death
• Driver’s license revocation
• Restitution payments

These cases often depend heavily on witness statements and vehicle identification. Andrew carefully examines the evidence to determine whether the State can prove the driver’s identity beyond a reasonable doubt.

Reckless Driving – 625 ILCS 5/11-503

Reckless driving involves operating a vehicle with a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.

Typical reckless driving charges include:

• Excessive speeding
• Dangerous lane changes
• Racing or aggressive driving
• Driving that results in accidents

Reckless driving is typically a Class A misdemeanor but may be charged as a felony if serious injuries occur.

In many cases, reckless driving charges can be reduced or resolved in ways that protect a driver’s record.

Fleeing or Attempting to Elude Police – 625 ILCS 5/11-204

Fleeing or attempting to elude police occurs when a driver fails to stop after being signaled by law enforcement.

Penalties may include:

• Class A misdemeanor charges
• Felony charges in aggravated cases
• License suspension
• Possible jail time

These cases often depend on whether the driver was aware that police were signaling them to stop.

Aggravated Speeding – 625 ILCS 5/11-601.5

Aggravated speeding is one of the most common criminal traffic charges in Chicago.

Driving:

• 26 to 34 mph over the speed limit is a Class B misdemeanor
• 35 mph or more over the speed limit is a Class A misdemeanor

Even first-time offenders may face criminal convictions unless the case is handled properly. Andrew frequently works to resolve aggravated speeding cases in ways that avoid permanent criminal records.

Other driving offenses that are less common include street racing and illegal transportation of open alcohol.

Protecting Your Driver’s License

One of the most important issues in criminal traffic cases is protecting your driver’s license. Losing your license can make it difficult to maintain employment and meet family responsibilities.

Andrew M. Weisberg understands how criminal charges interact with Secretary of State license consequences and works to minimize the impact on your driving privileges whenever possible.

In many cases, careful legal strategy can help prevent unnecessary license suspensions or revocations.

How Andrew M. Weisberg Defends Criminal Traffic Cases

Andrew M. Weisberg approaches criminal traffic cases with the same level of preparation and attention as any serious criminal matter. As a former Cook County prosecutor, he understands how these cases are built and how to identify weaknesses in the State’s evidence.

A strong defense may involve:

• Challenging the legality of the traffic stop
• Reviewing body camera and dash camera footage
• Examining accident reports and witness statements
• Challenging breath or blood testing procedures
• Identifying inconsistencies in police testimony
• Negotiating reductions or dismissals when appropriate

Many criminal traffic cases can be resolved favorably when handled by an experienced attorney.

Andrew M. Weisberg: Experienced Chicago Criminal Traffic Defense Lawyer

Andrew M. Weisberg has extensive experience defending criminal traffic cases throughout Cook County. He personally handles every case and works directly with clients from start to finish.

Clients choose Andrew because he provides:

• Former Cook County prosecutor experience
• Honest case evaluations
• Direct communication
• Strategic negotiation
• Aggressive courtroom representation
• Personal attention to every case

Facing criminal traffic charges can be stressful and confusing. Andrew works to guide clients through the process while fighting to protect their record and driving privileges.

Contact Andrew M. Weisberg for a Free Consultation

If you have been charged with a criminal traffic offense in Chicago or anywhere in Cook County, you should speak with a defense attorney as soon as possible.

Call (773) 908-9811 anytime for a free and confidential consultation or complete the Case Review Form on this website.

An experienced criminal traffic defense attorney can make a critical difference in the outcome of your case. Contact Andrew M. Weisberg for a free consultation today.