petty offense

Theft of lost property: not a criminal offense

February 9, 2011
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Most people who are accused of theft suffer through feelings of anxiety and fear about the outcome of their case. For defendants charged with misdemeanor offenses, they are looking at a penalty of up to one year in jail and a fine of $2,500. But most of these people are not aware that the offense [...]

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New laws in Illinois increase penalties for speeding tickets

July 3, 2010
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The laws against speeding in Illinois got tougher on July 2, 2010 when Governor Pat Quinn signed a new law aimed at persons driving 100 mph or faster. The law has two important parts: Speeding 31 mph over the Limit is a Class B Misdemeanor Speeding 31 mph in excess of the limit is no [...]

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The penalty for driving without insurance in Illinois increased in 2010

May 22, 2010
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Insurance laws in Illinois are tough. Every driver on the road must have a liability insurance with coverage of at least $20,000.00 per person for bodily injury as a result of an accident. Failure to carry insurance has serious consequences. Driving without insurance is a petty offense in Illinois. The statute citation is 625 ILCS [...]

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I got a speeding ticket in Illinois. What is the fine, and will it suspend my driver’s license?

March 20, 2010
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Many people believe they can pay a speeding ticket and the matter is taken care of. However, a speeding ticket can result in driver’s license suspension. Under certain circumstances, a speeding ticket can cause a revoked license. In almost every case of a suspension or revocation, it sneaks up on the driver. For example, the [...]

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What is the penalty for failure to stop at a railroad crossing in Illinois?

March 17, 2010
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A ticket for disobedience to a signal indicating the approach of a train is based on the Illinois statute 625 ILCS 5/11-1201. The law provides that a motorist is not always required to stop at railroad tracks, but must always exercise due care. There are five conditions that require a driver to stop before railroad [...]

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I got a ticket for passing a stopped school bus. What are the penalties provided by Illinois law?

March 13, 2010
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A ticket for failing to stop for a school bus can be expensive and suspend your driver’s license. The law is written in the Illinois Vehicle Code at 625 ILCS 5/11-1414. The law provides that all vehicles must come to a complete stop for a school bus that is loading or unloading child passengers. The [...]

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What are the penalties for failure to change lanes for a parked emergency vehicle in Illinois?

February 19, 2010
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Illinois law requires all drivers to yield to emergency vehicles on the side of the road. This law is called “Scott’s Law” in honor of Chicago Fire Department Lt. Scott Gillen, who was killed by a passing motorist while working an emergency. The law is on the books at 625 ILCS 5/11-907. The Illinois legislature [...]

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