Every year, thousands of Americans are accused of some form of domestic violence. While domestic violence is a massive issue nationwide, unfortunately, some of these accusations are entirely fabricated. Whether a spouse is looking to secure finances, seize custodial privileges, or simply see their spouse in a world of legal trouble, a domestic battery accusation is not something to be taken lightly. Below, we will examine some of the legal ramifications of a domestic battery charge and how you should react if you have been accused. 

The Legal Consequences

Finding out that you have been accused of domestic battery can be emotionally difficult to comprehend, but it is important to act quickly. Due to the state of Illinois’ “zero-tolerance policy,” police are likely to show up to your residence and arrest you, regardless of whether or not significant evidence of battery has been secured. While there are many different crimes that can constitute a battery charge, ranging from stalking to physical violence, one thing remains consistent: an accusation can quickly lead to jail-time. 

According to Illinois state law, a domestic battery charge constitutes a Class A misdemeanor. If convicted, the accused can face up to one year in prison as well as significant fines. It should be noted that there are a number of factors that can lead to the charges being elevated to a felony, the most common factor being a prior conviction of domestic violence. If convicted of a felony battery charge, one can face:

Driving at speeds over the legal speed limit is a dangerous mistake. Not only does speeding increase the likelihood of a dangerous motor vehicle collision, but it is also viewed as a serious traffic violation. While minor speeding violations will simply result in points against your license, driving at speeds 26 mph or more over the speed limit can result in an aggravated speeding charge. If you have been charged with aggravated speeding, it is critically important to speak with a skilled legal professional as soon as possible.  

The Legal Ramifications of Aggravated Speeding

In the state of Illinois, an aggravated speeding conviction constitutes a Class B misdemeanor. If the driver is apprehended while traveling at speeds that exceed 35 mph over the speed limit, the charge will be elevated to reckless driving, which is a Class A misdemeanor. Regardless of the class of misdemeanor, the potential criminal punishment for a conviction can be significant. A person charged with aggravated speeding can face up to six months in prison, fines as high as $1,500 and additional court charges. If the charge is elevated to a Class A misdemeanor, the driver could face up to one year in prison. 

If the driver is ultimately charged, the violation will strike 50 points against their license. Three moving traffic violation convictions in 12 months will result in a driver’s license suspension, and the points determine how long the suspension will last. Drivers who are younger than 21 can have only two moving violations in 12 months. Additionally, the driver may be forced to take part in community service activities and possibly traffic school. 

When a person has a serious criminal charge on their permanent record, their life can be impacted in a number of ways. Not only will the perpetrator face the initial legal ramifications of the charge (potential jail-time, fines, and a loss of their driver’s license), but also potential difficulty securing housing, employment, or loan opportunities. If a previous conviction is having a significant impact on your life, it is time to explore your options. With many criminal convictions, expungement or sealing may be an option. 

What Is Expungement?

Expungement is the process of having a criminal offense removed from one’s permanent record. The ability to hide a previous conviction from prospective employers can be life-changing. There are a few important things that all clients should understand about expungement:

• Not all people are eligible for expungement.
• While an expungement will destroy all official records related to the criminal offense, it will not have any impact on previous news clippings or other forms of media related to the initial crime. 

All that being said, expungement can be life-changing as you look to secure a job, get admitted into a school, or secure a loan.  

In Illinois, reckless driving is considered one of the most serious traffic violations a driver can commit. Reckless driving is defined as the act of operating a motor vehicle in a manner that displays a disregard for human safety. If convicted, a reckless driving charge usually constitutes a Class A misdemeanor. According to Illinois state law, a Class A misdemeanor charge can lead to up to 364 days in prison and fines as high as $2,500. Below we will examine a few of the violations that can lead to a reckless driving charge and the ways in which reckless driving can impact you. 

What Constitutes Reckless Driving?

A driver can be charged with reckless driving due to a number of dangerous traffic violations. The most common form of reckless driving is traveling at reckless speeds. In order for a speeding violation to constitute a reckless driving charge, a driver has to be apprehended while traveling 25 miles per hour faster than the posted speed limit. Recklessly passing other vehicles can also lead to a reckless driving charge. If a law enforcement official sees a driver aggressively tailgating, illegally passing (passing vehicles on a bridge or in a no-passing zone), or weaving in and out of traffic, the officer is likely to charge the driver with reckless driving. Less common forms of reckless driving include racing other vehicles, attempting to flee law enforcement, and knowingly driving a vehicle with hazardous issues such as faulty brakes. 

The True Impact of Reckless Driving

As mentioned above, a reckless driving charge constitutes a Class A misdemeanor. The implications of a reckless driving charge can go much further than the initial criminal charge. For commercial vehicle drivers, a reckless driving charge can lead to a suspension or complete loss of employment. For any driver, a reckless driving charge can lead to significant increases in insurance rates. It should be noted that there are a number of factors that can lead to a reckless driving charge being elevated to a felony charge. A felony conviction can lead to difficulty in securing employment, housing, or loan opportunities. If you have been charged with reckless driving, seek out the assistance of a legal professional immediately. 

In the state of Illinois, there are a number of traffic violations that can result in a license suspension or revocation. A driver can lose their license due to failing to pay tickets or child support or failing to show up to a court date. Yet, the most common reason for a license suspension or revocation is a conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. According to Illinois state law, a first-time DUI conviction constitutes a Class A Misdemeanor and a one-year license revocation period. If a person is caught driving with a suspended license, the legal ramifications can be significant. Below we will take a deeper look at the aforementioned consequences. 

The Legal Ramifications of a First Offense

Driving with a suspended or revoked license is always a risky proposition. In Illinois, a first-time offender will likely be charged with a Class A Misdemeanor, which can result in:

• 10 days in prison or 30 days of community service; and
• Fines as high as $2,500.

The license suspension or revocation will also be increased due to the transgression. For DUI offenders driving on a revoked license, their revocation period will likely be increased by a year. If you are charged with driving with a suspended or revoked license, speak with your attorney immediately.