Legal Question in Traffic Law in Illinois

Getting continuance without being there?

Yesterday, I was driving here in Chicago, Illinois, taking an unfamiliar street, and accidentally ran a stop sign. I didn't try to ''roll'' the sign, I am just an idiot who missed it. I'd be glad to pay for my crime, but, in Chicago, this is a mandatory court appearance. Problem is: a) I travel a LOT for work b) I will be out of the country for vacation on my court date.

It gets worse because their site says that you can't request a continuance by phone; you have to send in an attorney or representative. What do I do? Do I have to hire an attorney? Can I have a friend act as a representative and get me a continuance?

Thanks in advance!


Asked on 8/07/08, 3:17 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys
Charles Dobra Charles Wm. Dobra, Ltd.

Re: Getting continuance without being there?

Well, I'm glad that you drive a lot...means that you are still employed in this economy. You REALLY need the assistance of a lawyer. Despite the cost of an attorney, you should be aware that if you are driving a lot, a conviction would skyrocket your insurance rates. Not good. Give me a call if you like. Good Luck!!

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Answered on 8/08/08, 1:00 pm
David Shestokas Shestokas, & Associates

Re: Getting continuance without being there?

You may be able to go to court early and motion up the ticket in advance of the court date, and deal with it at that time or get a longer date to a time when you will be in the Chicago area. You may also have an attorney go in on your court date, and provide the attorney with the power to enter a plea on your behalf. That would get the ticket resolved without your being there, or having to go back to court. Of course the only resolution under those circumstances would be for the attorney to enter a guilty plea on your behalf, and ask for court supervision which would not be a conviction on your driving record. Since you got the ticket in Chicago, you have court at the Daley Center. Our firm represents people there regularly. If you would like to talk about our going to court for you, please contact us for a free consultation. To learn more about our firm, please visit http://www.shestokas.com/

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Answered on 8/07/08, 3:45 pm
Lesley Hoenig Lesley A. Hoenig, Attorney at Law

Re: Getting continuance without being there?

Just to add to the other answer, sending a friend there won't really help your case as they aren't authorized to do anything on your behalf. If you cannot be there, hiring an attorney is really the best way to go.

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Answered on 8/07/08, 4:45 pm


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