Lake County DMV Point System Attorney

Skilled Traffic Defense Attorney Explains Illinois Point System

Illinois, along with most other states, implements a point system which 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 driving 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 twelve-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 Office of Matthew R. Gebhardt, we have a solid understanding of the Illinois DMV points system and have a goal of minimizing the points you will receive on your driving record. Our Lake County 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 the Cook County prosecutor for more than five years. The result of having both types of legal experience is that Attorney Gebhardt is 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 Points 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)—50 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;
• 11-14 miles over the limit—15 points; and
• 1-10 miles over the limit—5 points.

If you are over the age of 21 and receive three convictions for traffic offenses within any twelve-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 fifteen to forty-four points you will receive a two-month suspension. From forty-five to seventy-four points, you will receive a three-month suspension. Seventy-five to eighty nine points will result in a six-month suspension. Ninety to ninety-nine points will result in a nine-month suspension and if you accrue more than a hundred points, you will receive a twelve-month license suspension.

Lake County Lawyer Assisting You with Your Traffic Offense Points

Aside from a license suspension, another serious consequence of a conviction which 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 and cover their risk by increasing your rates. At the Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, we will work to negotiate a reduction in charges to any traffic violation which would add points to your record upon conviction. Our Buffalo Grove traffic violation attorney can petition the court to place you under court supervision, resulting in the dismissal of your ticket or can employ a number of other defenses on your behalf to prevent you from suffering the consequences of a license suspension. Contact Matthew R. Gebhardt today at 773-383-8745 or 847-239-4703 for a free, no-obligation consultation.