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MADISON - ST. CLAIR RECORD

Friday, March 29, 2024

Was Troy speeding ticket processed in timely fashion? Supreme Court to hear arguments Jan. 12

The Illinois Supreme Court on Jan. 12 will hear oral arguments involving a speeding ticket issued in Troy, and any action it takes could alter the rules of the road.

The case involves driver Christopher Geiler who was issued a citation by Troy police May 5, 2014, for exceeding the speed limit by 15 miles per hour.

On June 11, 2014, Geiler filed a pro se motion to dismiss his ticket, alleging that it was not processed in a timely fashion, in violation of Illinois Supreme Court Rule 552.

He argued that the citation wasn't filed with the Madison County Circuit Clerk's office within a required 48 hour period. Rather, it was filed with the clerk's office four days after the citation was issued on May 9, 2014.

A hearing was held before Madison County Associate Judge Elizabeth Levy on July 30, 2014.

Troy police detective Todd Hays appeared as witness for the prosecution. He estimated that between 30 and 50 citations are delivered to the courthouse every Monday and Friday. 

Hays said it would be "impossible" to transport them daily. 

He stated that citations issued over the weekend are brought to the courthouse on Mondays and those issued through the week are brought to the courthouse on Fridays.

Hays stated that he was familiar with Rule 552, but said it was not a "mandate."

Levy dismissed Geiler's ticket on July 31, 2014.

The State appealed; Fifth District judges in February affirmed Levy.

On Sept. 30, the Supreme Court announced it would conduct its own review in People v. Geiler.

Madison County State's Attorney Thomas Gibbons has argued for the State. Geiler has appeared pro se.

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