When it comes to traffic violations, getting ticketed out of state can be mean harsher consequences and more challenges when it comes to contesting.
Because of the extra hurdles you’ll have to jump through, there are some basic points to understand in order to protect your driver’s license and prevent your insurance rates from increasing.
Let’s go through the process step by step and look at the potential consequences of receiving a Wisconsin ticket.
Two different legal systems
Politeness and respect can be a powerful asset when interacting with an officer in any situation, but when you’ve bee pulled over out of state, it’s especially important to resist arguments and rudeness in the heat of the moment.
While you may be understandably frustrated, something as subtle as good behavior can ultimately compel the officer to give you the benefit out the doubt when writing the ticket. If the speed call is a borderline one, even a one mile-per-hour reduction can make a significant difference when it comes to affecting your driver’s license and your overall insurance rates.
Although most speeding tickets in Wisconsin are deemed minor non-criminal forfeitures for Wisconsin drivers, the same is not true if you live in Illinois. If you’re pulled over in Wisconsin, don’t expect the police officer to advise you on legal consequences––know them before you even cross into the state.
The consequences of receiving a Wisconsin traffic ticket for an Illinois resident
If you’re familiar with the Illinois legal system, you may be aware that the state recognizes a concept called court supervision.
In short, court supervision in Illinois is a kind of continuance depending on an individual’s good conduct. You can have charges dismissed of your compliance is deemed acceptable. If you comply with the conditions of the supervision, whatever convictions you face do not become a part of your permanent record.
In Wisconsin however, the law does not recognize this concept, which means every disposition of a speeding ticket is a conviction when a guilty or no contest pleas is given.
By simply sending in the payment of your ticket, the conviction is entered and reported where it will become part of your record through the Secretary of State, unlike the Supervision disposition it would go through if the ticket was given in Illinois.
The notice doesn’t stop there. Your insurance company will also be notified, which could mean a significant premium increase for you.
What an experienced attorney can do to protect Illinois drivers
Without the kind of Court Supervision system found in Illinois, there are still options that can potentially alleviate the stress on an Illinois driver. By hiring an experienced attorney, many Wisconsin state and municipal prosecutors can be persuaded to reduce a reasonable speeding charge to a non-moving violation given the right conditions.
If this is accomplished, an Illinois driver will only have to pay a modified ticket in Wisconsin that won’t have any impact on their driver’s license.
If you’re interested in finding the best way to deal with your out-of-state speeding ticket, it’s important to contact an experienced attorney today.
At The Fitzgerald Law Firm your initial consultation is always free and you will always meet directly with one of our attorneys. We understand that appointments during traditional working hours may not be convenient for all, and thus we strive to be available for evening, weekend, and off-site appointments. To schedule your FREE consultation, Contact Us now.
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