Illinois Attorneys for Driving with a Suspended License Charges
Driving has almost become synonymous with the American way of life. The car has become an important tool for both professional and personal treks. In fact, Illinois is one of the top commuter states for drivers, and not just around the Chicago area. With so much emphasis placed on the car as a mode of transportation, it can be devastating to have your driving privileges taken away.
Not only can it impact your job but also your quality of life. However, being caught driving with a suspended or revoked license to get around that hassle can cost you much more than just your driving privileges. If you’ve had your license suspended and were caught driving and charged, you need the Illinois criminal traffic violation lawyers of Bruno Law Offices.
Driving with a suspended license can carry serious and far-reaching consequences. Not only can it take longer to get your license back should you be caught, but you could also end up facing large fines and serious jail time. If you’ve been charged, you need to immediately contact the Champaign driving with a suspended license lawyers at Bruno Law Offices for help. We can protect your rights and discuss which legal options are open to you. Contact us today by calling (217) 328-6000.
How Does a License Get Suspended?
Driving isn’t an automatic right. It’s a privilege that can be taken away at any time under certain circumstances. Having a driver’s license suspended typically means that an individual has been found guilty of an infraction that warrants the state stepping in and withdrawing the person’s privilege to drive a vehicle.
A suspension is typically considered temporary, and driving privileges may be restored after a certain period of time. The individual may also have to pay a reinstatement fee when they get their license reinstated.
A revocation is different. A revocation typically means that an individual’s driving privileges have been terminated.
The state of Illinois operates using a point system. Certain driving-related offenses correlate to driver’s license demerit points. The type of offense dictates how many demerit points are added to an individual’s license. Points may also vary depending on the age of the driver and how many prior suspensions a person has within a certain time frame. The goal of this type of system is for the state to identify dangerous drivers who may pose a risk to others.
While most suspensions and revocations are the result of serious driving infractions, there are other circumstances that may also result in an individual losing their ability to operate a motor vehicle. The state of Illinois may suspend or revoke a driver’s license for any of the following reasons:
- Causing an accident that results in serious injury or death
- Conviction for fleeing from authorities
- Convictions in three or more traffic violations within 12 months
- Repeated or numerous collisions
- Failure to pay child support
- Failure to pay parking tickets
- Failure to pay traffic violations
- Driving under the influence
- Certain drug convictions
- Certain sex crimes convictions
- Hit-and-run conviction
- Conviction of reckless homicide involving a vehicle
- Conviction of commission of a felony involving a vehicle
Penalties for Driving with a Suspended License
Driving with a suspended license is illegal. As such, Illinois has enacted strict penalties for those convicted of violating the law. Both financial penalties, as well as jail time, are real possibilities. A conviction will also extend the amount of time that you are without your license. While being unable to drive is a major inconvenience if you are caught driving anyway, the “inconvenience” is suddenly going to be much more substantial.
The penalties for driving while your license is suspended can depend on why your license was suspended in the first place. In general, a conviction can result in the following:
First Offense– Petty
- Class A misdemeanor
- Fines from $25 to $2,500
- Up to 364 days in jail
First Offense – Felony
- May be charged as a felony offense if the individual was driving under the influence, has a certain number of previous convictions, or if the license was revoked relating to reckless homicide.
- Fines up to $25,000
- Class 1 felony- 4 to 15 years in prison
- Class 2 felony- 3 to 7 years in prison
- Class 3 felony- 2 to 5 years in jail
- Class 4 felony- 1 to 3 years in jail
In addition to fines and jail time, an individual convicted of driving with a suspended license may also face probation, community service, and the payment of court fees. Subsequent violations, either a misdemeanor or felony, can result in more significant punishments and extend the amount of time that an individual’s license will remain suspended. In some instances, the court may decide to immobilize the individual’s vehicle or seize the person’s license plates.
A conviction may also jeopardize an individual’s financial stability. The consequences of driving with a suspended license can be much more far-reaching than someone realizes. The status of their car insurance policy can be jeopardized. The company could drop the person’s policy entirely. If the policy remains active, a conviction may result in higher monthly premiums. Being unable to drive and being left with unreliable transportation options may also put an individual’s job at risk. Alternatives to driving like hiring a taxi or driving service can cost an individual a small fortune.
It is the combination of obvious and not-so-obvious consequences that makes contacting an attorney right away your best option if you have been charged with driving on a suspended or revoked license. An attorney will be able to review your situation, protect your legal rights, and draft a defense strategy that has the best chance at giving you the most favorable outcome possible.
Contact Us Today
If you have been caught driving with a suspended license, you need immediate legal representation. You have rights, and they need to be protected. Contact the experienced defense team at Bruno Law Offices for help. We want to offer you effective representation in court and craft a defense strategy that gives you the potential for a favorable outcome to your situation.
Need to speak to an attorney right away? Contact our office at (217) 328-6000 and talk to one of our legal team about your options today.