Many people assume incorrectly that driving on a suspended or revoked license is similar to some other petty traffic offense. In fact, driving on a suspended or revoked license is a criminal offense and can result in serious consequences. This offense is typically charged under Section 6-303 of the Illinois Vehicle Code as a Class A misdemeanor, punishable with maximum of 364 days in jail and $2,500 fine and mandatory court expenses.
If an Illinois driver’s license suspension or revocation not based on DUI or accidents involving personal injury or fatalities, the offense is a Class A misdemeanor punishable from supervision up to a conviction with a possible penalty of up to 364 days in jail. For these types of suspension, jail time is real possibility for repeat offenders.
Consequences of driving on revoked license in IL
Under certain conditions, driving on suspended or revoked may be charged as a felony with more severe penalties. If your license was suspended or revoked for DUI, a first conviction of driving on a suspended or revoked license takes a minimal 10 days in jail or 30 days (240 hours) of service.
What happens if I drive with a suspended license?
If you are convicted of driving on a suspended license, the Secretary of State will extend your suspension for the same length of time as your original suspension. If your suspension has already expired, the Secretary of State will re-suspend your driving privileges for the same length of time as your original suspension.
If you are convicted of driving on a revoked license, the Secretary of State will not consider the reinstatement of your driver's license for at least one year from the date of conviction.
A 2nd violation for driving on a license that has been suspended or revoked for driving under the influence can be billed as a Class 4 felony. A conviction for second offense carries a potential sentence of 1-3 at the Illinois Department of Corrections and a fine maximum of $25,000. The mandatory minimum penalty for 2nd offense requires 30 days in prison or 300 hours of community services.
Driving with no Monitoring Device Driving Permit (MDDP) that has been issued to you, driving on a license that has been revoked for reckless homicide, and subsequent violations of the law carry additional penalties
Getting A Lawyer For A Suspended License in Illinois
We have years of experience supplying high quality criminal defense and driver's license reinstatement providers in the Champaign - Urbana area and throughout Illinois. Our Champaign Driver's License suspension attorney can review your Illinois Secretary of State driving record to ascertain the best course of action.
If at all possible, Our Law Firm at Patel Law, PC can help out with clearing the suspension or revocation prior to appearing in court on a driving suspended or revoked license charge. At minimum, reinstating your driving privileges can be utilized as reduction in court, resulting in a more favorable resolution of your case. In some instances, walking right into court with a clear license may even result in a full dismissal of this charge. It's important to note that you are not qualified for an administrative hearing with the Secretary of State if you have a case pending in court. The case must be resolved first.
