Can I get a speeding ticket reduced if they didn’t show me the radar?

Officers are under no legal obligation to show you the radar. Most drivers have received at least one speeding ticket over the course of their driving history. While your experience with past speeding tickets may lead you to believe that this is a minor issue, the laws in Illinois have changed dramatically in recent years. As such, the phrase “it’s only a traffic ticket” no longer applies in Illinois. Recent changes to the traffic laws have greatly increased the penalties for speeding in Illinois while at the same time lowering the threshold for determining what amounts to the more serious “Aggravated Speeding” charges. 625 ILCS 5/11-601.5 provides that: (a) a person who drives a vehicle upon any highway of this State at a speed that is 26 miles per hour or more but less than 35 miles per hour in excess of the speed limit commits a Class B Misdemeanor. (b) a person who drives a vehicle upon any highway of this State at a speed that is 35 miles per hour or more in excess of the limit commits a Class A Misdemeanor. The penalty for a Class B Misdemeanor can be jail time for up to 180 days and a fine of $1500. The penalty for a Class A Misdemeanor can be jail time for up to 364 days and a fine of $2500. While jail time and the high fines above are unlikely outcomes for someone with a decent driving record, there is another important factor to consider. Often times clients, and sometimes their attorneys, focus only on the immediate consequences when dealing with a speeding ticket. Sometimes clients are too happy to take a quick deal from the prosecutor without considering long term consequences. One important factor to consider when dealing with a Class B or A misdemeanor aggravated speeding ticket is the fact that supervision is not an available disposition in all cases. What this means is that any plea on an aggravated speeding ticket will result in a conviction on your driving record, AND A CRIMINAL CONVICTION ON YOUR RECORD FOR A MISDEMEANOR OFFENSE! Avoiding jail time, while it may seem like a win, is not enough. It is important that your attorney either win your case outright, or negotiate a disposition for a reduced charge and a sentence of supervision. That is the best way to ensure that your driving privileges will not be in jeopardy at a later date.

Radar is not a requirement. You can be convicted of speeding without any radar. Please consider retaining a lawyer.

Stop listening to empty latrine rumors and get yourself a lawyer. The offense with which you are accused is a Misdemeanor, not a petty offense--as in mugged and printed and into a rap sheet. There is at least one very good traffic lawyer in Barrington and another in Lake in the Hills. Get busy doing the mature thing and forget the "didn't show me the device" folklore. Every Good Wish to you.

This is a Class B Misdemeanor and is a serious moving violation. The officer does not have to show the radar device results to the motorist. However, if this case is in Rolling Meadows, these offenses can (under specific circumstances) be amended to a lower speed if you have a good prior traffic history and produce other relevant mitigation. Best of luck to you in your case and make sure you are prepared before your court hearing with relevant information. Skilled negotiation on your behalf is highly recommended.