What Happens if You Get Caught Driving with a Suspended License in Illinois?

What you can do about your suspended license

Though Illinois is ending driver’s license suspensions associated with minor infractions such as parking violations and speed camera citations, there are still many ways you can lose your driving privileges. At Skinner Law Firm, P.C. in Bridgeview, attorney Steven E. Skinner II helps Chicago-area clients get back on the road and defends against charges of driving without a valid license. In administrative matters and criminal proceedings, our firm provides knowledgeable support to motorists from Cook County and elsewhere.

Charges for driving after a suspension or revocation

Driving while your license is suspended or revoked is a misdemeanor offense in Illinois. If you are convicted, your reinstatement will be delayed and you could even face jail time. Moreover, if you are accused of driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, the fact that your license was suspended could trigger a felony aggravated DUI count.

How do I end the suspension or revocation of my Illinois driver’s license?

In some instances, reinstating your driver’s license might only require paying a fee once the suspension has ended or making a required court appearance. The court might require other measures, particularly if your license has been revoked. A revocation differs from a suspension because there is no guarantee of restored driving privileges after a certain period of time. If you lost your license due to a DUI, you might need show proof that you have received treatment for a substance abuse problem. You might also need to retake all or part of your driver’s license examination, such as the written or road test.

How long does a suspended license stay on your record in Illinois?

Under Illinois law, the effects of a suspended driver’s license last a long time, perhaps even permanently. A traffic citation that leads to the loss of driving privileges stays on your record for at least seven years after your license is reinstated. Drug and alcohol-related offenses that result in license suspension are never removed from your record. With this in mind, it’s worthwhile to contest citations that are not supported by the facts. Our firm takes on cases where motorists are unfairly targeted by law enforcement.

Legal help for people who want to drive after a license suspension or revocation

When you’ve lost the ability to drive legally due to traffic violations, it can be a severe disruption to your everyday life. Getting to work or school becomes much more difficult without a car, and obtaining affordable auto insurance might be impossible even after your driving privileges are restored. One way to relieve the burden is to apply for a Restricted Driver’s License (RDL) that authorizes you to drive for employment, educational or medical purposes. We assist people seeking an RDL as well as those who are looking to overturn their suspension or revocation altogether.

Get a free legal consultation if you’ve been cited for driving with a suspended license 

Skinner Law Firm, P.C. represents Illinois clients who have been cited for driving while on a suspended or revoked license. Our firm is located in Bridgeview and serves motorists throughout the Chicago area. To schedule a free consultation, please call 312-635-6459 or contact us online.