Having the right to drive is something that most of us associate with adulthood, but sometimes we tend to forget that holding a driver’s license is a privilege that is tested with the knowledge, understanding, and respect for the rules of the road. Getting a driver’s license means demonstrating your knowledge of such rules and once getting the license, your responsibility is to abide by those rules.
In case you (or other drivers) fail to stick to the rules or are found acting with a lack of consideration for the safety of others, your driver’s license can be revoked. You might think of this as a minor issue, but the serious traffic offense happens as soon as you start driving illegally after your driver’s license has been revoked.
Here at Ktenas Law, we understand how important your driver’s license is and how you might rely on it to go to work, go to school, and provide for your family. This is why we offer the representation you deserve if you have been found driving with a suspended or revoked license. Our team of experienced and professional lawyers is here to help you get the defense you have the right to get.
We also know how common suspensions and revocations can be when you are caught in the act of causing serious offenses related to driving. For example, your license can be revoked when driving under the influence, in cases of hit-and-run accidents, and racing. Even less serious offenses, such as speeding might cause the suspension or revocation of your license.
Most states have traffic rules violation point system. This means that for each conviction or offense, the Department of Motor Vehicles will add a certain number of points to your driver’s record. The same applies to the state of Illinois, where points add up even for minor moving violations. As soon as you accumulate a particular number of points, your driver’s license will get suspended.
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What Happens If My Illinois License Get Suspended Or Revoked And I Keep Driving?
Let’s focus on Illinois law. In the state of Illinois, when a person is found driving or in physical control of a motor vehicle with the license or permit has been revoked or suspended, the penalties can vary, depending on the specific situation. Indeed, it all depends on the reason why the license was suspended in the first place. The penalties can be severe in Illinois, especially when pulled over and found guilty of violating the driving rules.
For example, even when cited with a misdemeanor violation, a conviction might cause the Secretary of State to revoke or suspend your license one more time, for the same amount of time as the original suspension.
The good news is that you can avoid the extension of your license being suspended. To do that, you must hire a criminal defense attorney that is experienced with these types of citations and who can handle your case with the right expertise and appropriate skills.
In some states, the suspension of your driver’s license can result even from non-driving violations, such as incentivizing the unlawful possession of alcohol by a minor or failing to pay child support. This also applies to the state of Illinois. Many states also allow for the suspension of a driver’s license based on a driver’s lack of ability, such as when found suffering from visual impairment or epileptic attacks.
What Are The Consequences Of Driving With A Suspended or Revoked License?
In Illinois, when caught driving with a suspended license, the offense is classified as a Class A misdemeanor. This means that you will have to face a sentence of 10 days in jail or up to 30 days of community service, as well as a fine that can be up to $2,500. Your license will be suspended for double the time of the original suspension. If you are caught with a revoked license, you will also face the mandatory 10 days in prison, and your license will be revoked for an additional year.
What Happens When I Get A Second Ticket For Driving With My License Suspended?
When caught driving with a suspended license for the second time, the penalties will be more severe. You will be charged with a class 4 felony and you will have to face a minimum of 30 days in jail or 300 hours of community service. Also, you will have to deal with the suspension of your driving privileges for double the original suspension period.
Additionally, you might have your vehicle seized or forfeited. If your first suspension or revocation of your license included charges such as homicide, driving under the influence, refusing to test, or leaving the scene of an accident, you’ll be charged with a class 2 felony.
Revoked License VS Suspended Licence: What Are The Differences?
Even if you might interchange the two terms, in reality, having a suspended license is very different from having it revoked.
For example, when your license gets suspended, your license is temporarily unable to be used, until a certain date, This makes you legally unable to drive. You might be getting a definite or indefinite suspension.
A definite suspension ends when you paid the required legal fees and your suspension period is up. Your license will be then restored and returned to you. Definite suspensions are usually linked with violations related to driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol or getting too many traffic tickets, as well as driving without proper insurance.
An indefinite suspension doesn’t have a certain date of expiration but might be in place until you take proper action. For example, you might be required of paying a fine or the several fees you owe or to take care of a ticket.
If you are caught driving on a suspended license, you might have your license revoked. A revoked license is null, meaning that you are permanently unable to use it. This means that you will not be legally able to drive until you get your license again. But to get your license back after having it revoked, you will have to request approval from the Department of Motor Vehicles of Illinois, pay any outstanding fine and wait for the approval. Chances are your license will not be reinstated even after these conditions are met.
Your driver’s license might be revoked due to a serious traffic offense, making false statements on official forms, or failing a road test.
If you have your driver’s license suspended or revoked due to multiple convictions or DUI crimes and you have been caught driving again, you need to hire a good lawyer. Here at Ktenas Law, we have your back. We are here to help you, so don’t hesitate to contact an experienced traffic lawyer.