Bridgeview Traffic Attorneys Assist in Restoration of Driving Privileges
Dedicated lawyers experienced in dealing with license suspension in Illinois
A valid driver’s license can be indispensable for work, shopping, seeing the doctor, meeting with friends or myriad other activities. To be deprived of driving privileges, even temporarily, can be extremely inconvenient. Here at Skinner Law Firm, P.C., we pride ourselves on helping our clients deal with the harmful effects of driver’s license suspension and navigate the confusing process of license reinstatement.
Skilled counsel advises motorists on suspensions for DUI committing multiple traffic offenses
Illinois law provides for license suspension if you are convicted of multiple traffic violations. Depending on your age, your license might be suspended after only two or three convictions. Some offenses are considered so serious that even one conviction is enough for suspension. You may automatically lose your driving privileges for driving under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs or medication. A DUI conviction can result if you either fail a chemical sobriety test or refuse to submit to one. You fail a chemical sobriety test if it shows:
- A blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) level of 0.08 percent
- A concentration of the psychotropic drug in marijuana (THC) of 5 nanograms per milliliter of whole blood or 10 nanograms per milliliter of another bodily substance
- A trace of THC, but only if you are a commercial driver
- A trace of other drugs
The length of the license suspension differs, depending on the circumstances:
- Refusing to take the test — one year for the first offense, three years for each additional offense within five years
- Failing the test — six months for the first offense, one year for each additional offense within five years
- Commercial driving license — one year for the first offense, permanently for the second
- First conviction — one year
Drivers’ licenses can be suspended for sundry other reasons in Illinois, including failure to pay parking tickets, fines and other traffic penalties and nonpayment of child support or court judgments. We have advised hundreds of Illinois drivers on how to deal with legal issues that can lead to suspensions.
Traffic lawyer explains available relief from license suspension
If you’ve had your license suspended, there are ways to secure limited restoration of driving privileges. DUI first offenders at least 18 years of age may be able to obtain special licenses to drive during their automatic suspension but they must have an Interlock Ignition Device installed in their vehicles to prevent them from drunk driving. This special license does not allow operation of a commercial vehicle.
If your driver’s license has been suspended for any reason, you might be able to get a restricted driver’s license (RDL) if you can prove to a hearing officer that a hardship exists. This may be established by demonstrating a need to drive to:
- Get to work
- Get yourself or your kids to school
- Maintain your health
- Perform other important tasks
Your RDL will be limited to allow driving only for specified purposes.
Depending on the grounds for your suspension, your license may be reinstated. This requires clearing up the original legal problems that led to the suspension and paying reinstatement fees, which can be substantial. As your attorneys, we will analyze your driving record and the other relevant circumstances, and then do all we can to get your driver’s license reinstated.
Driving with a suspended license can have serious consequences
If you drive while your license is suspended and without a special license or RDL, you are committing a crime for which the police can arrest you and tow your vehicle. In most cases, driving with a suspended license is a misdemeanor, punishable by a $2,500 fine and up to one year in jail, as well as an additional suspension of your license, but in some cases, it may be treated as a felony, punishable by up to $25,000 in fines and more years in prison. If you are charged with driving with a suspended license, you should immediately seek our help. We will lodge a defense that brings to light extenuating circumstances and mitigating factors to seek the most lenient treatment possible.
Contact a trustworthy Illinois traffic lawyer for a free initial consultation
If your driver’s license has been suspended, Skinner Law Firm, P.C. can offer the sound advice and effective representation you need. We have been providing trusted legal services throughout the Cook County area for nearly 20 years. Please call 312-635-6459 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation at our Bridgeview office.
