What is the difference between a suspended Illinois driver’s license and a revoked Illinois driver’s license?
The state returns your suspended driver’s license on a certain date after you pay a reinstatement fee. However, the Illinois Secretary of State must first reinstate your revoked driver’s license.
What happens if I’m charged with driving with a suspended or revoked driver’s license?
You will have to address the charge in court. The state will likely charge you with a Class A Misdemeanor, and you will need the assistance of an attorney. As your attorney, I will examine the state’s evidence against you and decide the best way to proceed.
How serious is being charged with driving after you lost your license?
The reason that the state suspended or revoked your license determines the seriousness of the charge. Suspensions caused by Statutory Summary Suspension (DUI) are very serious cases. Revocations caused by DUI are even more serious. However, if the state suspends your license for other reasons, the case may be less serious. Less serious reasons include receiving too many tickets, failing to have SR-22 insurance, and receiving parking tickets. However, even if a less serious reason caused the suspension, it’s still very important to have an attorney represent you.
Initially, the state will charge you with a Class A Misdemeanor if you drive with a suspended or revoked license. However, the state can upgrade charges to a Class 4 Felony or greater depending on the reason for the suspension or revocation. The state can also upgrade charges to a felony if it has previously convicted you of driving on a suspended or revoked Illinois driver’s license.
How will I defend you if you’re charged with driving on a suspended or revoked driver’s license?
If the state suspends your license, I will determine if the Secretary of State can reinstate your license prior to the actual court date. Depending on where you go to court, I might be able to have the state dismiss the entire charge. If the state cannot reinstate your license or the state has revoked your license, I may have to file a pretrial motion to challenge the reason for the police officer stopping your vehicle. Pretrial motions usually produce a very favorable result. However, they are just a part of the overall strategy.
Illinois Statute:
Illinois Suspended or Revoked Driver’s License Statute: 625 ILCS 5/6-303.
For more specific information and to review the facts of your case, call Attorney Young for a no-obligation consultation.