Driving on a Suspended License in IL

Last updated on June 29, 2021

Driving on a suspended or revoked license in Illinois is a criminal offense. It often results in an arrest and an ongoing criminal case.

Although the charges seem pretty straight-forward, the resolution to the case can be quite complex. Driving on a suspended or revoked license is one of those cases that can cause you to get caught up in the legal system and never let you out.

We recommend reading about the charge below then contacting our firm for a free consultation.

 

Reason for Suspension or Revocation

The reasons for your suspension or revocation can impact the outcome of your case. If it is possible to clear your license while the case is ongoing, it is highly recommended to do so.

Defenses

The State must only prove two things: (1) You were driving or in actual physical control of a motor vehicle; and that (2) your driver’s license or permit was suspended or revoked at the time.

But this does not mean you are without options. It means that hiring an experienced attorney to defend your case is even more important. Attorneys that defend these cases often have strong relationships in the courtroom that can be a tremendous help to your case.

At Driver Defense Team we don’t simply defend the case, we consult with you about your driving record and determine how, if possible, to obtain your driver’s license.

Penalties

If your driver’s license is suspended or revoked, and you are caught driving in Illinois, the penalties can be severe.

What happens if you get pulled over with a suspended or revoked license?

When you are pulled over for driving on a suspended or revoked license, you will either be arrested or issued an i-bond. The police may also have your vehicle impounded. You will be required to appear in court.

What does it mean to have a suspended license?

Driving on a suspended license means that you are not legally allowed to drive for a set period of time and/or until issues on your driving record have been cleared up.

How can your license get suspended?

The Illinois Secretary of State’s office can suspend your license for various reasons. Some of them include:

• Failure to pay for tickets issued by a police officer;
• 5 or more unpaid tollway tickets;
• 5 or more unpaid parking or camera tickets;
• Family responsibility or child support;
• Failure to appear in court;
• Civil judgments for uninsured accidents;
• Failing to have car insurance or SR-22 insurance when required;
• Refusing a breathalyzer test;
• Blowing over .08 BAC while operating a motor vehicle; and
• Receiving 3 convictions on your record in one year (2 convictions if you are under 21).

What does it mean to have a revoked license?

When your license is revoked, the Illinois Secretary of State’s office takes away your driving privileges indefinitely. The only way to legally be allowed to drive again is by cleaning up issues on your driving record and successfully completing a Secretary of State Hearing.

How can your license get revoked?

The Illinois Secretary of State can revoke your driving privileges for” a conviction on your first DUI, having 2 or more DUIs, committing a felony in a motor vehicle, falsifying information on a driver’s test at the Secretary of State’s office, having too many points on your driver’s license, or being caught driving without a license multiple times.

How do I clear my license?

It really depends on the reason it’s suspended or revoked in the first place. That will determine if you can clear and how to do it. If you’re unsure, our office can obtain your Illinois driving abstract and review it for a fee of $62.

Is Driving on a Suspended or Revoked License a traffic or a criminal charge?

Driving on a suspended or revoked license is a criminal charge and is different than driving without a valid license.

Is Driving on a Suspended or Revoked License a misdemeanor or a felony?

This really depends. The first time you are pulled over for this it is a misdemeanor. After being caught multiple times driving without a license, the charge can be upgraded to a felony. Its best to consult with an experienced Chicago traffic ticket lawyer.