State rules for traffic court trials. Begin with the name and number of your case. You cannot be forced to testify. If you are found guilty of committing a petty traffic offense, the judge will issue a sentence that may include a fine and court costs, attendance at an approved Traffic Safety School under an order of supervision, or a conviction on your driving record. I don't think they people were malicious but I imagine I can get sued?--> what i hope happens is the bill from their hospital visit is not too high and I can settle their claims through my insurance for a reasonable amount. Hiring a lawyer who knows what to expect in Woodbury Traffic Court can be a big advantage. You have a right of confrontation. A BAIID locks the vehicle's ignition until the driver blows into a breathalyzer. Whether you are the defendant, the plaintiff, or a witness, your appearance, dress, and actions can affect how the court sees you and how successful you are in presenting your case. Additionally, the Secretary of State's office can download information from the BAIID every sixty days and if a violation is detected, additional penalties may result. In Circuit Court the rules for presenting evidence and asking questions of witnesses are stricter. In Illinois, most traffic charges are categorized as either "petty" or "misdemeanor" offenses. Prosecutors and … Hundreds of thousands of traffic cases are heard each year in courts throughout Illinois. If you then decide to enter a negotiated plea of guilty before your case is called at your first appearance, you should inform the judge of your negotiated plea when your case is called. If you fail to sign the ticket, you could face an additional penalty. Great. What to Expect at a Hearing. Traffic courts hear more cases than any other court. After the close of all the evidence, the judge (or jury) will decide whether the prosecution has proven its case. The offender must also attend a hearing at the Secretary of State's Department during which the offender's driving record is reviewed to ensure he or she will not threaten public safety if issued an RPD. The reinstatement fee for first-time offenders is $250, while the fee for repeat offenders is $500. It will tell you where and when you will have your first meeting with the court… You may choose to resolve your case by having your attorney speak with the prosecutor about a potential plea bargain. An RDP allows an offender to drive on a restricted basis, but again only in a vehicle that has had a BAIID installed. Each person testifying–including you, the arresting officer, and any witnesses–will be asked to take an oath and tell the truth about what occurred. Other Important Phone Numbers. What should I expect? Types of Illinois State Courts: Circuit Courts; Appellate Courts; Supreme Court; There are 23 judicial circuits cover the 102 counties in the state of Illinois. Sometimes courts have a traffic courtroom and sometimes they are mixed in with all of the criminal cases. multiple tickets from different locales) you need to talk to a criminal defense attorney who handles traffic tickets. In this article, we will explain what happens at an Illinois adult guardianship hearing, how courts determine whom to name as guardian and the different types of guardianship that courts can order. If you are stopped by a police officer for violating a traffic law and are issued a ticket, it must include the nature of the charge; the date, time and location of the alleged violation; and the statute or ordinance you are accused of violating. I'm wondering if any of you have had any experience with a similar situation, as I am totally freaking out about this. No matter the reason, online traffic school could prove to be a great benefit to you. HOWEVER he wrote the ticket for a 15-20 over infraction, no court appearance required. Traffic court is pretty standard. Before the initial appearance. Some traffic violations are settled before they reach the court, if the driver pays the fine and simultaneously admits his or her guilt. The officer claims I was going 26 over the speed limit on a highway, though my car physically can’t go that fast. For all other traffic violations of state law, the prosecution's burden is the heavier one of "beyond a reasonable doubt." As the defendant, you have the right to remain silent. The Illinois Court System. You must file a notice to appeal within 30 days after the traffic court has made its final decision. Just as every court is a little bit different, judges also have their own way of doing things. - Illinois Traffic Tickets Questions & Answers - Justia Ask a Lawyer Read 1 Answer from lawyers to Accident, Failure to yield ticket court date. Under an order of supervision, the defendant is usually required to pay a fine and/or attend traffic school and is placed on a supervision for a specified period of time. At the municipal or county level, traffic violations are indicated in ordinances and are usually punishable only by a fine. Now that we know what court supervision in Illinois is not, let’s take a look at what it is. We do all the work and appear on your behalf. Whether you are required to appear in court for your traffic offense or choose to do so to contest the violation, you should always follow certain decorum, which includes arriving to court on time and dressing in a manner that shows respect for the court. It has been said that driving is considered a privilege, not a right. If you want to fight the ticket, you should consult with an attorney. Long lines: Lawyers typically get called first in traffic court, leaving non-lawyers, aka normal, everyday citizens, sitting on an uncomfortable bench for hours at a time. Petition for a Dissolution of Marriage/Civil Union, Contested Dissolution of Marriage/Civil Union, Uncontested Dissolution of Marrage/Civil Union, Petition for Guardianship of a Disabled Adult, Notice to People Acting as Their Own Lawyer.