How Long Does It Take to Resolve a Traffic Ticket in Illinois?
It Depends on the Type of Ticket You Received
How long it takes to resolve a traffic ticket in Illinois largely depends on the type of ticket you’ve received. In our experience, petty traffic tickets (non-misdemeanor citations) are usually resolved within three months—and often even at the first court date, which typically occurs about 30 days after the ticket is issued.
Some tickets may be dismissed at that first appearance upon showing proof of compliance—for example, valid insurance, registration, or a driver’s license. In those situations, there’s no fine, the case is dismissed, and you’re free to go home.
For tickets that can’t be dismissed by compliance, your case may be continued so you can complete mitigation steps, such as traffic safety school or public service hours. You’ll then return on a second date to show that the mitigation has been completed in hopes of a more favorable outcome.
If you’re planning to contest the ticket, the timeline can extend beyond three months. If you’ve hired a traffic lawyer (which is always a smart move), the attorney may request additional time to review discovery, gather evidence, and prepare for trial—as any thorough and responsible lawyer should. In these cases, it’s common for a petty traffic ticket to be resolved within six months, even with a trial. Factors like discovery issues, officer availability, or trial preparation can contribute to delays.
What If the Ticket Is a Misdemeanor?
Misdemeanor traffic offenses—such as aggravated speeding or driving on a suspended license—are a different story. In some cases, we’ve resolved misdemeanor tickets on the first court date, especially when the facts are straightforward or the prosecution isn’t seeking severe penalties.
However, if the stakes are high—whether due to a poor driving record, multiple prior convictions, or a prosecutor pushing for harsher penalties—the process can take much longer. It’s not uncommon for misdemeanor cases to remain active for more than six months due to the need for extended discovery review, negotiations with the prosecution, or the development of strong mitigation materials.
It Also Depends on Whether You Even Need to Go to Court
Some traffic tickets in Illinois don’t require a court appearance. In certain cases, you can mail in a form to request court supervision or simply pay the fine and accept a conviction.
If you choose to resolve your ticket this way, the process is quick, and no court date is necessary. However, other types of tickets do require you to appear, such as:
- Multiple tickets issued in the same stop,
- Tickets that carry mandatory appearances (e.g., no insurance, school bus violations, etc.),
- Or any misdemeanor traffic ticket.
Even if your ticket is marked “No Court Appearance Required,” that does not mean you’ve waived your right to contest it. You’re still entitled to appear in court to fight the ticket or negotiate a better outcome—such as supervision instead of a conviction. In fact, for petty offenses, an attorney can typically appear on your behalf in counties like DuPage, Kane, Cook, and Will, making the process even more convenient.
Court Supervision & When a Ticket Is Officially “Resolved”
Let’s say you went to your first court date and resolved the case by accepting court supervision. You might assume your ticket is resolved right then and there—but technically, it’s not fully resolved until your supervision period ends and all conditions are satisfied.
For example, if you’re placed on 90-day supervision starting April 1, 2025, your supervision runs through June 30, 2025. During that time, you’re expected to:
- Avoid new violations,
- Complete any required classes,
- Pay your fines, and
- Follow any additional conditions set by the judge.
Only after the supervision period ends—and you’ve complied with all the terms—can you say your ticket is officially “resolved” with a clean outcome. Failing to comply could lead to a termination of supervision and the entry of a conviction.
Call Us to Resolve Your Ticket
Whether you’re facing a petty ticket, a misdemeanor, or you simply want to avoid points on your record, having an experienced traffic lawyer on your side can make all the difference. We’ve helped countless drivers resolve their tickets efficiently and favorably across DuPage County, Cook County, Kane County, Will County, and beyond.
Don’t take chances with your license or driving record. Contact us today at (773) 657-4427 for a free consultation and get the guidance you need.