The red light camera on the corner of Van Buren and Western, which is not far from our Chicago office, caught more than 10,000 drivers in just one year! The red light camera program has been put under fire recently, but a traffic ticket is still a traffic ticket.
Fines are a daily occurrence in Arlington Heights and Chicago. As Chicago traffic violation lawyers, we want to help. Check out the five best reasons to hire a lawyer to fight traffic tickets.
You Have the Right
The Constitution enshrines your right to the due process of law. This means that the government must operate within the law, and provide fair procedures. Legally speaking, you have a right to defend yourself from accusations placed against you. As an American citizen, you should fight for your rights.
You Can Get the Ticket Reduced
The State of Illinois allows citizens to request a court hearing. In these hearings, you may ask your judge to have your fine reduced. In addition, you can sometimes discuss a monthly payment plan, or request an alternative punishment like community service. When you get your ticket, there often are instructions for this on the back.
You Can Get the Ticket Thrown Out
If you think you have received a ticket unfairly, you can fight to have it thrown out. A little bit of preparation can go a long way. There are many different ways that can help improve your chances for a dismissal.
Although law enforcement officers are not required to show the method used to detect speeding, there are often techniques by which a good traffic lawyer can challenge the technology, whether it involves radar, laser or some other method. This is due to the fact that speeding tickets often rely on someone’s perception. That perception could be false.
If the law enforcement officer used radar, it is entirely possible that the radar was calibrated incorrectly, or the device is inaccurate. Some officers are not trained on how to use these devices, and may be reading it incorrectly. Finally, many different factors, such as water in the air or other cars in the area, may make the reading incorrect.
If your lawyer successfully uses these defenses, the ticket may be dismissed without further punishment. You will only have to pay your lawyer.
Insurance Will Go Up if You Do Not
Many people think that they can get away with just paying whatever the cost of the ticket is. But while it’s true that they may save on the cost of an attorney, there are other costs associated with a violation. Even if you are a first-time offender, you may wind up paying up to $1,000 in higher insurance premiums over the course of several years.
You Can Maintain Your Driving Privileges
If you accumulate too many traffic tickets over time, your driver’s license may become suspended or revoked. People who are found guilty over and over may therefore have a hard time keeping their license. But if you have multiple traffic tickets thrown out or if you receive court supervision, your driving record will look better.
Mitchell S. Sexner & Associates LLC are experienced Chicago traffic violation lawyers. Call us today at (312) 644-0444.