'Julie’s Law' Prevents Lenient Sentences for Excessive Speeders

Motorists caught for excessive speeding on Illinois roadways will no longer be able to receive a sentence of “supervision,” due to a law sponsored by State Rep. Sid Mathias (R-Arlington Heights) which was signed into law on July 20. 

Mathias joined Governor Pat Quinn at the bill signing ceremony, and said the new law brings a heightened awareness to the dangers of excessive speeding. “Senate Bill 2888 increases penalties for those who drive recklessly on Illinois roads,” said Mathias. “It addresses motorists who are pulled over for driving more than 25 miles over the speed limit in urban areas and more than 30 miles an hour over on highways.

Previously, the courts could give a sentence of supervision for cases where motorists are cited for driving up to 39 miles over posted speed limits on highways.

The bill is known as “Julie’s Law,” for the death of 17 year old Julie Gorczynski after an accident with a driver who was driving 76 mph in a 40 mph zone. “It is my hope that the more stringent penalties will serve as a deterrent for motorists who put their lives and the lives of others at risk for driving too fast.

The law takes effect immediately.

Information provided by State Rep. Sid Mathias office