Speeding over 25 mph is a criminal offense in the State of Illinois. There are two categories of aggravated speeding, based upon how much over the speed limit you are.
26 to 34 mph over the speed limit is a Class B Misdemeanor.
35 mph and over is a Class A Misdemeanor.
These are serious charges that you should have an attorney represent you. A conviction is considered a criminal offense. A conviction can can effect your ability to find a job or keep a job (especially if your job involves driving).
Also, a conviction will appear on your driving record. Your automobile insurance will be aware of the conviction. Your insurance will increase based upon the conviction. By preventing a conviction, the ticket will not appear on your public driving record. Because auto insurance companies view your public record, they will not know of your ticket.
However, prosecutors are unlikely to reduce an aggravated speeding ticket for someone without a lawyer. Also, all lawyers are not the same. So, you need to find a experienced lawyer in this field.
As an Illinois Attorney for over 29 years I have had hundreds of these types of charges reduced and dismissed without a conviction.
Currently Kankakee County, Illinois is the County that is issuing the most misdemeanor speeding tickets as of 2024.
Here is a video on how to act when you go to court.
Here is the Illinois law regarding Aggravated Speeding:
https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=062500050K11-601.5
