If you’ve been pulled over in Illinois and given a traffic ticket, the process can seem daunting, especially if it is your first ticket. Luckily, there is no need to fear. The first question you should ask yourself is: Do I need to appear in court?
“Must Appear” Tickets
In Illinois, you are typically only required to appear if the officer checked a box on your ticket, marking it as “Must Appear” or “Court Appearance Required.” If you are unsure, take a look at the copy of the ticket you were given by the officer. Traffic tickets that require a court appearance will also give you a court date, time, and location of your court date so that you know when and where to appear.
If you are required to appear in court for your ticket, it is usually because the offense creates a great potential for harm or has a mandatory minimum penalty. Examples of traffic tickets that require a court appearance include misdemeanor traffic offenses, driving without a valid license or permit, driving on a suspended or revoked license, speeding in a construction zone or school zone, and reckless driving. Even though the ticket says you are required to appear, in many cases, you may be able to hire a traffic attorney to appear on your behalf so that you don’t personally have to make the trip.
“No Court Appearance Required” Tickets
When a ticket does not require a court appearance, you have three options: (1) plead guilty and pay the fine without going to court (receive a conviction); (2) plead guilty and request an order for supervision (avoid a conviction after paying fine and attending traffic safety school); or (3) plead not guilty and request a trial. The ticket itself usually includes information on how to either pay the ticket or request a court date. It is important to note that if you pay the fine on a moving violation, that is a conviction that is reported to the Secretary of State. This is crucial because two convictions within 24 months can lead to suspension or revocation of your license if you are under 21 years old. 625 ILCS §5/6-206(a)(36). If you are over 21 years old, three convictions within 12 months can lead to suspension or revocation of your license. 625 ILCS §5/6-206(a)(2). What may seem like a simple solution to your problem may end up causing you more problems in the long run.
If you have a pending traffic ticket, whether you are required to appear in court or not, the Attorneys at Finegan Rinker & Ghrist have defended hundreds of traffic cases in Central Illinois and would be happy to discuss your case with you for free.
Source: https://www.isba.org/public/guide/illinoistrafficcourts
