Aggravated Speeding in Illinois

Why You Should Never Face This Charge Alone

In Chicago and throughout Illinois, aggravated speeding is not something you can afford to ignore. Many drivers mistakenly believe it’s just a traffic ticket—but the reality is far more serious. Aggravated speeding is a criminal offensethat can lead to jail time, a permanent criminal record, and long-term consequences that affect your job, your license, and your freedom.

At The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg, I’ve spent decades defending clients across Cook County, DuPage County, Lake County, and Will County. Time and again, I’ve seen how this charge can escalate from a momentary lapse in judgment into a full-blown legal crisis. Whether you were clocked at 80 in a 50 or 100 on the expressway, if your speed exceeded the legal threshold, you’re facing a charge under 625 ILCS 5/11-601.5—and the State of Illinois is treating you like a criminal.

Let’s break down what you’re really facing and why hiring a trial-ready attorney is the smartest step you can take.

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What Makes Aggravated Speeding a Crime in Illinois?

Under Illinois law, aggravated speeding happens when a driver exceeds the posted speed limit by a certain margin. The penalties are dictated by how far over the limit you were going.

If you’re driving between 26 and 34 mph over the speed limit, you’re charged with a Class B misdemeanor, which carries up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,500.

If you’re caught driving 35 mph or more over the limit, you’re facing a Class A misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.

And here’s the part that catches most people off guard: these charges will stay on your criminal record if you’re convicted. Not your driving record—your criminal record. That means background checks, employment applications, professional licenses, and even rental applications can all be affected.

You can read more about these classifications and how they differ at chicagocriminallawyer.pro.

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How Prosecutors Handle Aggravated Speeding in Chicago and Beyond

Prosecutors in Cook County and surrounding counties don’t take aggravated speeding lightly. Especially in recent years, there’s been a push to penalize high-speed driving more severely due to the rise in fatal traffic crashes across Illinois. If you were speeding near a school, in a construction zone, or in poor weather conditions, prosecutors may pursue jail time.

Even if you have no prior record, don’t assume you’ll get court supervision. Some judges won’t allow it for aggravated speeding over 35 mph. Others want to see strong legal arguments before considering it. That’s where we come in.

From the moment you’re charged, we begin building a case that positions you for the best possible result. Whether it’s a dismissal, reduction to a petty offense, or supervision to avoid a conviction, we don’t wait for the State to make a move—we make the first one.

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Fighting the Evidence: How We Challenge Speeding Allegations

The most important element in an aggravated speeding case is proof of your speed. Law enforcement usually relies on radar, LIDAR, or pacing techniques to establish this. But that evidence isn’t bulletproof.

We often begin our defense by demanding the calibration records of the device used. If the officer used LIDAR, we examine whether they were properly trained and certified to use it. If the speed was determined by pacing, we review dashcam footage and GPS data from the squad car to expose inconsistencies.

In one recent case out of DuPage County, a client was accused of driving 96 in a 55 mph zone. The officer’s dashcam contradicted his written report, showing moderate traffic and no evidence of the alleged speed. We filed a motion to suppress the LIDAR reading, and the judge ruled the evidence was insufficient. The charge was dismissed.

When your attorney knows how to pressure the State’s evidence, it puts you in a position of strength. Most of our best outcomes come from thorough preparation—whether the case goes to trial or not.

You can read more about defense tactics like these at chicagocriminallawyerblog.com.

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Why Trial-Ready Defense Matters—Even If You Don’t Want to Go to Trial

Many clients come to us saying, “I just want to resolve this—I don’t want to go to trial.” And that’s fine. Most cases don’t go to trial. But preparing like we are going to trial changes the entire playing field.

Prosecutors treat defense lawyers differently when they know those lawyers are ready and willing to go the distance. That preparation influences plea deals, motion outcomes, and judicial discretion.

The State’s Attorney’s Office knows our reputation. They’ve seen us argue motions, challenge officers, and take cases all the way to verdict. That credibility allows us to negotiate from a position of power—even when our goal is to settle the case without trial.

So even if you think your case will be resolved quickly, don’t hire a lawyer who treats it like a traffic ticket. Hire someone who prepares like your future depends on it—because it does.

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Real-World Consequences of a Conviction

A guilty plea to aggravated speeding carries more than just fines. Here’s what’s really on the line:

• Jail time: Some judges will impose actual jail time, especially for speeds over 100 mph.

• Criminal record: Once you’re convicted, the charge becomes part of your permanent record.

• License issues: Repeat offenses or high-speed violations can lead to suspensions.

• Insurance spikes: Your premiums may skyrocket, even if your license remains valid.

• Employment problems: Many employers perform background checks. A misdemeanor conviction can be disqualifying.

Don’t underestimate the ripple effects of a conviction. We’ve had clients come to us after pleading guilty without a lawyer—only to discover later they can’t seal the record and they’re barred from job opportunities they worked hard for.

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What We Do Differently at The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg

We don’t walk into court blind. From the moment you retain us, we analyze your case from every angle. That includes:

• Reviewing the evidence for admissibility issues

• Investigating officer training and equipment records

• Filing motions to challenge unlawful stops or search procedures

• Negotiating with prosecutors for reductions or dismissals

• Preparing you for every court appearance and advising you on what to say and what not to say

We also make sure you understand every step of the process. Our clients never feel lost or out of the loop. We make sure your defense is aggressive, clear, and consistent.

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Can Aggravated Speeding Charges Be Dismissed?

Yes. Charges can be dismissed for a number of reasons, including:

• Inadmissible or unreliable speed evidence

• Improperly conducted traffic stops

• Lack of compliance with radar or LIDAR protocols

• Failure to prove the elements of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt

But dismissal doesn’t happen on its own. It takes motion practice, preparation, and a willingness to push back. Every favorable result begins with pressure—and we apply it early and often.

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When You Need a Fighter, Call Us

Whether you’re charged in Skokie, Maywood, Bridgeview, Rolling Meadows, or downtown Chicago, we’re ready. We appear regularly in courtrooms throughout Cook, DuPage, Will, and Lake Counties. And we don’t treat aggravated speeding as just another moving violation.