Chicago, IL Driving With a Suspended License Lawyer

Trusted Attorney for Charges of Driving Without a Valid License in Chicago, Illinois

A valid driver's license is required when operating motor vehicles on public roads. There may be a variety of reasons why a person could lose their driver's license, and if they continue to drive without a valid license, they could face criminal traffic charges. Driving after your license has been suspended or revoked is a serious offense. Unlike a simple traffic ticket, these charges are treated as misdemeanors, or felony charges may even apply in some cases. A conviction can also make it more difficult to get your license back in the future.

Because of the serious penalties for driving after a license suspension or revocation, it is important to work with an experienced attorney to address these charges. At Miranda Law Office, LTD, we will work to protect your rights, minimize the penalties you may face, and help you get your license reinstated. With over 20 years of experience in criminal and traffic cases, our attorney understands how to navigate both the criminal court system and the Secretary of State's license reinstatement process. We provide bilingual legal services in English and Spanish to serve clients throughout Chicago's diverse communities.

Why Licenses May Be Suspended or Revoked in Illinois

There are many reasons a person may face the suspension or revocation of their driver's license. Some of the most common include:

• DUI (Driving Under the Influence): A conviction for drunk driving or driving under the influence of drugs will result in a driver's license revocation. However, even if you are not convicted of DUI, you will face a statutory summary suspension of your license if you fail a chemical test of your blood, breath, or urine after a DUI arrest or refuse to submit to a BAC test.
• Too Many Traffic Violations: Points will be added to your driving record when you are convicted of traffic charges, which can range from speeding tickets to more serious offenses like reckless driving. Receiving three violations within one year will result in a license suspension. The points that have been added to your record for these offenses will determine how long your license will be suspended or whether your license may be revoked.
• Failure to Pay Fines or Child Support: Unpaid traffic tickets could lead to penalties that may affect your driver's license. Courts may also take action to address unpaid child support obligations and issue license suspensions until arrangements are made to pay the amount owed.
• Driving Without Insurance: If you are charged with operating a vehicle that does not have the proper liability insurance, you may face a license suspension in addition to charges for this offense.
• Leaving the Scene of an Accident: Hit and run cases are taken very seriously in Illinois, and you could face serious criminal charges if you do not stop after a car accident, provide the necessary assistance, and share your contact information with the other driver or anyone else who was involved. The penalties will be more serious in cases involving injuries or extensive property damage, and they may include the suspension of your driver's license.

If your license is suspended, your driving privileges will be temporarily withdrawn for a specific period of time. In many cases, you can take steps to reinstate your license after the end of the suspension period. A revocation, on the other hand, will cause your license to be cancelled entirely, and you will need to apply for reinstatement before you can get your license back.

Criminal Charges for Driving With a Suspended or Revoked License

Under 625 ILCS 5/6-303, driving while your license is suspended or revoked is a criminal offense. In general, this offense is classified as a Class A misdemeanor. A conviction may require you to pay fines as high as $2,500, and you could be sentenced to up to one year in jail.

Certain circumstances could lead to felony charges for driving without a valid license. In cases where your license was revoked because of aggravated DUI or reckless homicide charges, you could be charged with a Class 4 felony. A second violation of driving without a valid license is also likely to be classified as a Class 4 felony. Mandatory minimum sentences will often apply in these cases, and the period of license suspension or revocation will most likely be extended.

Helping Clients Get Their Licenses Reinstated

Miranda Law Office, LTD can help to defend against charges of driving on a suspended or revoked license. We will help you determine the best strategies for defense to help you reduce or avoid penalties that could affect your license and your freedom. We can also assist with the process of restoring your driving privileges.

Attorney Miranda can provide representation at formal or informal hearings to help you demonstrate that you are eligible for license reinstatement. We can also help you determine whether you may be eligible for a permit that will allow you to drive for work, school, or medical purposes while your license is suspended or revoked, and we will work to ensure that you will be able to avoid the difficulties that come with being unable to drive.

Reach Out to Our Chicago Driving With a Suspended or Revoked License Attorney

When you are facing criminal charges that can impact your freedom and your ability to drive in the future, you will need to make sure you take the right steps to limit the ways your life may be affected. At Miranda Law Office, LTD, we can help you fight charges of driving without a valid license, and we will work to ensure that you can get back on the road quickly. Speak with our Chicago, IL driving with a suspended license defense lawyer by calling 773-588-3822 to schedule a consultation.