Can I Face Charges for Driving With a Suspended or Revoked License in Illinois?

 Posted on May 07, 2021 in Criminal Defense

There are a handful of reasons why a person could end up with a suspended or revoked license. Some of these reasons do not even relate to driving, yet you can still lose your license all the same. Not paying fines relating to parking tickets, tolls, or automatic traffic violations, can lead to license suspension. Failing to pay court-ordered child support or failing to appear for a traffic citation could also result in a license suspension. Driving while under the influence (DUI) is one of the most common reason a person has their license suspended or revoked. Though it can be irksome to lose your ability to drive, choosing to drive even while your license is suspended or revoked can result in criminal penalties.

Penalties for Driving With a Suspended License

Unlike many other traffic violations, driving with a suspended or revoked license is a criminal charge -- not just a traffic ticket. This means that the penalties are typically harsher and the effects of the charge are usually more severe than a traffic ticket. Penalties for driving with a suspended or revoked license depend on how many prior offenses you have and how your license was originally suspended.

A first-time offender for driving with a suspended license can expect to be charged with a Class A misdemeanor, which comes with the possibility of up to one year in jail and up to $2,500 in fines. A person who commits a second or subsequent offense can face a Class 4 felony charge, which comes with the possibility of one to three years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines. Penalties are increased if a person is caught driving with a suspended license while they are intoxicated. If that happens, they can be charged with a Class 4 felony and be required to undergo an evaluation to determine the extent of their alcohol and/or drug problem.

Contact Our Elgin, IL Criminal Defense Attorneys Today

It may seem superficial, but driving with a revoked or suspended license is a crime that is taken extremely seriously in Illinois. If you have been charged with driving while your license was suspended or revoked, you should get in touch with a Kane County criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. At the Law Office of Brian J. Mirandola, we can help you form a defense against any type of criminal charge you may be facing, including driving with a suspended license. To schedule a free consultation and begin discussing your options, call our office today at 847-488-0889.

Sources:

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=062500050K6-303

https://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/drivers/losepriv.html