In Illinois, unsafe driving can lead to reckless driving charges and serious consequences. This article explains how Illinois defines reckless driving and the penalties you'll face for a conviction.
In Illinois, a person can be convicted of reckless driving for:
The statute uses the term "willful" to refer to conduct that's intentional or purposeful. And "wanton disregard" basically means the person understood the conduct was risky but chose to do it anyway. (625 Ill. Comp. Stat. Ann. 5/11-503.)
The possible consequences of an Illinois reckless driving conviction depend on whether there was:
But generally, a motorist who's convicted of reckless driving faces the possibility of jail time, probation, and fines.
Reckless driving offenses do not involve injuries are class A misdemeanors. A conviction carries up to one year in jail, a maximum of two years of probation, and fines of up to $2,500.
All reckless driving offenses that involve injuries are felonies. The possible penalties for a conviction are:
Also, a reckless driving offense that results in the death of another person will likely lead to reckless homicide charges.
In Illinois, it's possible for a driver who's charged with driving under the influence (DUI) to plea bargain for a lesser charge. When a DUI is plea-bargained down to a reckless driving charge, it's sometimes called a "wet reckless."
The consequences of a reckless driving conviction in Illinois are serious, especially when the offense involves injuries. If you've been arrested for or charged with reckless driving, get in contact with an experienced criminal defense attorney. A qualified attorney can explain how the law applies to the facts of your case and help you decide on how best to handle your situation.