What is Reckless Driving and What are the Penalties for it in Illinois?

 Posted on October 13,2022 in Uncategorized

If you are a driver in the United States, it is very likely that you will be pulled over by the police at some point during your driving years. Police cannot pull you over just for fun – they have to have a reason to do so. Most of the time, the reason they pull you over is because of a minor traffic infraction that results in a fine. Depending on why they pulled you over, the ticket can result in more severe consequences, such as criminal charges. Illinois has various traffic violations that can result in criminal charges, and one of those charges is reckless driving.

Reckless Driving in Illinois

Reckless driving is a charge that encompasses many behaviors. According to Illinois’ criminal statutes, reckless driving can be charged when a person:

• Drives or operates a vehicle with "willful or wanton" disregard for the safety of other drivers or the property of others; or
• Knowingly and intentionally uses an incline in the road to cause the vehicle to become airborne.

The tricky thing about reckless driving charges is that there are no specific behaviors spelled out in the laws that are automatically charged as reckless driving other than causing a vehicle to become airborne. Because of this, it is up to the arresting officer and the judge to determine what types of behaviors constitute reckless driving. Common examples of reckless driving include:

• Excessive speeding;
• Disregarding traffic laws, such as running red lights or stop signs;
• Erratic driving, such as lane swerving; and
• Negligent acts while driving, such as texting while driving.

Reckless Driving Penalties

Reckless driving is a Class A misdemeanor, which is the most serious class of misdemeanor crimes. This carries up to one year in jail and up to $2,500 in fines. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you could be charged with a felony. Reckless driving charges become a Class 4 felony if you cause another person great bodily harm or permanent disability or disfigurement. The charge can also be a Class 4 felony if you injure a child or an on-duty crossing guard. Class 4 felonies carry a sentence of up to three years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines. If you cause a child or crossing guard to suffer from permanent disability or disfigurement, then your charge could be elevated to a Class 3 felony, which carries a sentence of up to five years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines.

Our Cook County Reckless Driving Defense Attorney Can Help

At the Fotopoulos Law Office, we know how serious a reckless driving charge can be. Even though there is the potential for a reckless driving charge to be a felony, even a misdemeanor charge can mean serious consequences. If you are charged with reckless driving, you need help from our skilled Tinley Park, IL, reckless driving defense lawyer. Call our office today at 708-942-8400 to set up a free consultation.

Sources:

Illinois Compiled Statutes