Reckless Driving Leads to Law Change in Illinois

 Posted on October 05,2012 in Traffic Offenses

According to the Chicago Tribune, Lukasz Marszalek, 22, was involved in a fatal crash last year that ended the life of Julie Gorczynski, 17. Marszalek was driving his car almost 80 mph in a 40-mph zone when Julie made a left turn in front of him with her Jeep. She was killed in the ensuing crash.

Marszalek was charged with aggravated speeding, which has a maximum penalty of 180 days in jail. On Tuesday, September 25, Marszalek received the maximum punishment and was sentenced to six months in jail. His original charge was aggravated reckless driving, which is a felony, but it was reduced to a misdemeanor because there was not enough evidence. Marszalek also had previous speeding violations and seven court supervisions, and soon after the crash he got a speeding ticket in Indiana.

A new legislation, called Julie’s Law, that imposes more serious penalties on excessive speeders, was signed in July. Julie Gorczynski’s parents helped in getting the legislation through the Illinois General Assembly. The law prohibits judges from giving court supervision to drivers that are caught driving over 25 mph over the limit on a non-rural road or 30 mph on a highway. Formerly supervision could be granted for drivers traveling up to 40 mph over the limit.

If Marszalek’s supervisions for traffic violations would have been convictions, he might not have had his driving privileges and, in turn, he might not have been driving when the crash took place. In the future, the penalties for traffic violations are going to be tougher. Therefore, it is important to get help from skilled lawyers who can help in these situations and know best how to protect your rights. If you have been charged with a traffic offense, you should contact a dedicated traffic violations defense lawyer in Cook County.