Traffic Violations Attorney in Clarendon Hills, Illinois

No matter how safe and cautious of a driver you think you are, occasional traffic violations are almost inevitable. Most drivers choose to simply pay the fine without considering the potential long-term costs and consequences. People want to just move on with their lives without facing the burden of trial or potential litigation.  

However, just accepting a fine for a traffic violation can lead to unforeseen negative consequences, including driver’s license suspension and an increase in insurance premiums to name a few.  

Gene Ognibene, the founding attorney at Gene Ognibene Associates, has more than 25 years of experience defending clients who are facing different types of traffic violations throughout Cook County, DuPage County, DeKalb County, Kendall County, and Kane County.  

As a traffic violations attorney in Clarendon Hills, Illinois, Gene Ognibene works tirelessly to help clients minimize or eliminate the negative impact on their driving record. Discuss your defense options during a free consultation—reach out today. 

Can You Fight a Traffic Violation?

Yes, absolutely. If you've been charged with a traffic-related offense, you don't have to accept the charges without a fight and you don’t have to deal with the potential consequences ranging from fines and license points to license suspension or even jail time.  

If the path of least resistance is not for you, Gene Ognibene can help. By choosing to fight a traffic violation, you could potentially obtain a complete dismissal or a favorable plea with reduced penalties.  

Even if your efforts to fight the violation are not successful, the worst thing that can happen is that you will face the same consequences that you would by paying the fine. But at least you will know that you’ve tried.  

Types of Traffic Violations in Illinois

Illinois law makes a distinction between petty traffic offenses and criminal traffic violations. The former are punishable by a fine only, while the latter have jail time among the possible penalties. Gene Ognibene defends clients in Clarendon Hills and surrounding areas in Illinois against a wide range of traffic violations, including but not limited to:  

• Driving under the influence (DUI)  

• Reckless driving 

• Driving without insurance 

• Driving without a license 

• Driving with a revoked/suspended license 

• Driving with an expired license 

• Leaving the scene of an accident 

• Failure to notify of property damage 

• Aggravated speeding 

As your defense attorney, Gene Ognibene will stand by your side throughout the entire process and work toward a favorable resolution.  

What Should You Do if You Receive a Traffic Violation?  

Many people mistakenly believe that traffic violations are set in stone. They think there is no effective defense available when charged with a traffic offense. In reality, there are numerous options for defending against a traffic offense — and that’s something you might realize after consulting with a traffic violations attorney in Clarendon Hills, Illinois.  

Say you decide to defend against the traffic ticket. What’s next? Here’s a brief overview of what happens if you fight a traffic violation in legal proceedings: 

1. Don’t pay the fine. Do not pay the fine as your payment is automatically taken as an admission of guilt and prevents you from taking further action.  

2. Check if you need to appear in court. Typically, the traffic ticket will contain information regarding your court appearance. If the ticket is marked as “Court Appearance Required” or “Must Appear,” you will have to attend court.  

3. Consult with an attorney. You might want to speak with an attorney to discuss your best strategy for contesting the violation before your court appearance. If you skip this step, you won’t know how to fight in court.  

4. Attend the court and enter a plea. During your first court appearance – known as an arraignment – you will be informed of the charges against you. The judge will also ask you to enter a plea. If you plead guilty or no contest, you will face punishment. By pleading not guilty, you are requesting a trial.  

5. Go to trial. At your trial, the prosecution has the burden of proving your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Then, your attorney will have the opportunity to present your side of the case and mount a defense strategy that is most appropriate for your situation.  

By contacting an attorney after you receive a traffic violation, you will know how to move forward with your case. Gene Ognibene can guide you to the best course of action to obtain the most favorable result possible in your case.