About every week I get a call from a client charged with Driving on a Suspended License (625 ILCS 5/6-303). In almost every case, my client is stopped for a regulatory or equipment violation. These are often infractions that officers have the discretion to ignore. However, when the officer asks the driver to provide a valid driver’s license the officer discovers that the driver has a suspended license. In Illinois, there are about 500,000 people driving on a suspended license.
In most cases, my clients have a suspended license because they let a small problem bloom into a bigger problem. The Illinois Secretary of State can suspend a person’s driver’s license for 36 different reasons. For example, failure to appear in court for a simple speeding ticket, failure to pay outstanding parking tickets, and failure to pay traffic fines. For a summary of some of the reasons why the Illinois Secretary of State can suspend your license check out: Summary.
In Illinois, Driving on Suspended License is generally a Class A Misdemeanor. In some circumstances, Driving on a Suspended License can be charged as a petty offense (625 ILCS 6-601). In other circumstances, Driving on a Suspended License can be charged as a felony.
The laws on driving on a suspended, revoked, or expired Illinois driver’s license keep getting tougher. First time or repeat offenders face serious consequences, including fines and possible jail time. It is important to consult an attorney who can read your Illinois Driver’s Abstract, navigate the criminal-traffic court, defend the charge and/or mitigate the penalties.
If you have been charged or arrested for driving on a suspended or revoked license give Fenbert & Associates, LLC, a call at 630-917-2051 and we will provide you with a Free Consultation. We will explain the charge, potential penalties, and defenses.