Aggravated Speeding Tickets at the Elgin Branch Court

If you’ve been charged with Aggravated Speeding and have a court date at the Elgin Branch Court in Kane County, Illinois, it’s critical that you understand what you’re facing. Unlike a regular speeding ticket, aggravated speeding is a criminal offense in Illinois. It is not just “a traffic ticket.” It’s a misdemeanor charge that can leave you with a permanent criminal record, impact your driving privileges, and even result in jail time.

With over 32 years of experience defending drivers charged with aggravated speeding in the Elgin Branch Court, I’ve seen how these cases unfold—and how a skilled defense can make all the difference.

What Is Aggravated Speeding in Illinois?

Under Illinois law, you can be charged with aggravated speeding if you are caught driving:

• 26 to 34 mph over the speed limit: Class B misdemeanor
• 35 mph or more over the speed limit: Class A misdemeanor

These are criminal offenses, not petty traffic violations. That means you are subject to arrest, required to appear in court, and face long-term consequences if convicted.

How the Elgin Branch Court Operates

The Elgin Branch Court, located at 150 Dexter Court, Elgin, IL 60120, is one of the branch courts in the Kane County judicial system. This courthouse handles:

• Misdemeanor traffic offenses (including aggravated speeding)
• Ordinance violations
• Municipal code violations
• Minor criminal cases

Court is held Monday through Friday, and cases are typically assigned based on the municipality where the offense occurred.

Municipalities Served by the Elgin Branch Court

The Elgin Branch Court serves several municipalities in northern and western Kane County, including:

• Elgin
• Carpentersville
• East Dundee
• West Dundee
• South Elgin
• Gilberts
• Pingree Grove
• Hampshire (partial)
• Sleepy Hollow

If you received your aggravated speeding ticket from a police officer or state trooper in one of these towns, your case will almost certainly be heard at the Elgin Branch Court.

Mandatory Court Appearance for Aggravated Speeding

If you’ve been charged with aggravated speeding, you are required to appear in court. There is no option to pay the fine and be done. Because this is a misdemeanor charge under Illinois law, you must appear before a judge, and your appearance cannot be waived by an attorney unless the court grants specific permission.

Failure to appear can result in a bench warrant, driver’s license suspension, or even arrest.

What Happens When You Go to Court for Aggravated Speeding?

Here’s what you can expect on your court date at the Elgin Branch Court:

1. Check-in: Arrive early and check in with the Clerk of the Circuit Court.
2. Wait for your case to be called: Courtrooms are often crowded, and your name may not be called for some time.
3. Appearance before the Judge: The judge will advise you of your rights and the charges.
4. Pre-trial negotiation: In many cases, your attorney will negotiate with the prosecutor (or village prosecutor) before the case is heard.
5. Plea, dismissal, or trial: Depending on your defense strategy, you may enter a plea, request a continuance, or proceed to trial.

The Role of Village Prosecutors

In some municipalities like Carpentersville and West Dundee, aggravated speeding tickets may be prosecuted not by the State’s Attorney but by village prosecutors—private attorneys hired by the municipality to enforce local ordinances and misdemeanor laws.

In these cases, there may be more flexibility in plea deals, such as reduction to a petty speeding offense, deferred prosecution, or court supervision. However, outcomes vary significantly depending on the prosecutor, the facts of your case, and your attorney’s ability to negotiate.

Legal Consequences of an Aggravated Speeding Conviction

Being convicted of aggravated speeding in Illinois can carry serious and lasting penalties, including:

Class B Misdemeanor (26–34 MPH over limit)

• Up to 6 months in jail
• Up to $1,500 in fines
• Criminal record that appears on background checks
• Driver’s license points that can lead to suspension

Class A Misdemeanor (35+ MPH over limit)

• Up to 12 months in jail
• Up to $2,500 in fines
• Criminal record
• Possible community service or probation
• Increased insurance rates

Judges in Kane County—and particularly in the Elgin Branch Court—do not take aggravated speeding lightly. You could be looking at a permanent criminal record that impacts your employment, housing, or immigration status.

How Aggravated Speeding Affects Your Driving Record

In addition to criminal penalties, an aggravated speeding conviction will:

• Add significant points to your driving record
• Put you at risk for a license suspension
• Increase your car insurance premiums substantially
• Possibly lead to mandatory driver safety programs

In some cases, the Illinois Secretary of State may suspend your license, especially if you have previous violations or are under 21 years of age.

CDL Holders and Aggravated Speeding

If you have a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), an aggravated speeding charge is potentially career-ending.

• CDL holders are held to higher standards, even when driving a personal vehicle.
• A conviction could lead to disqualification of your CDL privileges.
• Employers often terminate drivers for any criminal traffic conviction.

Because aggravated speeding is a serious traffic offense under federal and state law, even a first offense could lead to job loss, higher insurance premiums, or denial of employment in the future.

Other Branch Courts in Kane County

Kane County uses a branch court system to manage high volumes of traffic and misdemeanor cases. These include:

• Elgin Branch Court – 150 Dexter Ct, Elgin
• Aurora Branch Court – 1200 E. Indian Trail, Aurora
• St. Charles Branch Court – 540 S. Randall Road, St. Charles
• Main Courthouse in Geneva – 100 S. Third Street, Geneva

Which court your case is heard in depends on where the offense occurred. It’s critical to verify your court location carefully.

Why You Need an Attorney for Aggravated Speeding

Aggravated speeding is a criminal charge. Without proper representation, you risk:

• A permanent criminal record
• Jail time
• Loss of driving privileges
• Higher insurance costs
• Employment consequences

I’ve spent the last 32+ years defending people just like you—students, professionals, commercial drivers, and parents—who made a mistake on the road and need help avoiding life-changing consequences.

When I take on your case, I’ll examine every aspect, including:

• Was the radar or pacing device properly calibrated?
• Did the officer have a valid reason to pull you over?
• Can we negotiate a reduction to a petty speeding ticket?
• Is court supervision or dismissal possible?

Contact a Kane County Aggravated Speeding Defense Lawyer

Don’t face the Elgin Branch Court alone. If you’ve been charged with aggravated speeding in Kane County, you need an experienced advocate who understands the system and can fight for the best possible outcome.

📞 **Call 847-807-7405 today for a free consultation

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