EXPERIENCED FORMER PROSECUTOR
Top Suspended License Lawyers
NOT GUILTY!
Domestic Violence
Aggravated Domestic Battery with a weapon, a felony and misdemeanor Domestic Battery.
CHARGES DISMISSED!
NOT GUILTY!
DUI
Client was charged with her third DUI. Gus was able to convince the court that the police violated the client’s rights.
CHARGES DISMISSED!
NOT GUILTY!
DUI
Client was charged with DUI, officer’s report indicated that client was driving erratically,
CASE DISMISSED!
NOT GUILTY!
Domestic Battery
Client was charged with Domestic Battery of a Child, the police report included photos depicting bruising.
CASE DISMISSED & EXPUNGED!
Chicago Driving with a Suspended License Attorney
When your Illinois driver’s license has been suspended and you choose to drive, anyway, you can face harsh criminal consequences for your actions. In some situations, you could face mandatory jail time and the permanent loss of your license for driving with a suspended license. If you are facing criminal charges for driving with a suspended license call the Kostopoulos Law Group for immediate legal assistance.
Led by former Assistant District Attorney Gus Kostopoulos, our criminal defense attorneys have more than 30 years of combined legal experience. We understand that the consequences of driving with a suspended license would be devastating for your future and will fight to secure the best possible outcome in your case. We use an aggressive pre-investigative process that often results in a reduction or dismissal of the charges against our clients. We know how the prosecution will attempt to build a case against you, and we will use this knowledge to fight them every step of the way. Call us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more.
Driving With a Suspended License in Illinois – 625 ILCS 5/6-303
Did you know that there are nearly 40 reasons why your license can be suspended or revoked in Illinois? Whether you’ve racked up too many points on your license or have been convicted of a DUI, it is a crime under 625 ILCS 5/6-303 to drive while your license is suspended. The penalties you will face for driving with a suspended license will depend on:
- The reason your license was suspended; and
- The number of convictions you have for driving with a suspended license.
License Suspended for Administrative Reasons
If your license was suspended for administrative reasons, such as moving violations or failure to pay fines, the following penalties may apply for driving with a suspended license.
First Offense: Most first-time offenders will be charged with a Class A Misdemeanor for driving with a suspended license. A conviction for misdemeanor driving with a suspended license is punishable by one year in jail, $2,500 in criminal fines, and an extension to your license suspension.
Second Offense: Class A misdemeanor, punishable by one year in jail, $2,500 in fines, and a minimum of 100 hours of community service.
Third Offense: Class A misdemeanor, punishable by one year in jail and $2,500 in fines. In addition to these penalties, you will also be required to serve at least 30 days in jail or complete 300 hours of community service.
Subsequent Offense: Class A misdemeanor, punishable by one year in jail and $2,500 in fines. In addition to these penalties, you will also be required to serve at least 30 days in jail or complete 300 hours of community service. A fourth conviction will also result in the seizure of your license and/or vehicle.
Subsequent Offense, Causing Harm: If you have a prior driving with a suspended license convictions and cause another person to suffer death or great bodily injury you will be charged with a Class 4 Felony.
License Suspended for Aggravating Reasons
If your license was suspended for aggravating reasons, such as leaving the scene of an accident or DUI convictions, the following penalties may apply for driving with a suspended license.
First Offense: Class A Misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail, a fine of $2,500, and time added to your suspended license. If your license was suspended because of a reckless homicide conviction, you must serve at least 10 days in jail or complete 30 days of community service.
Second & Third Offense: Class 4 Felony, punishable by no less than 30 days in jail, 3-7 years in an Illinois state prison, $25,000 in fines, added time to your license suspension, and/or total revocation of your driver’s license.
Fourth & Subsequent: Class 4 Felony, punishable by no less than 180 days in jail, 3-7 years in an Illinois state prison, $25,000 in fines, added time to your license suspension, and/or total revocation of your driver’s license.
Was your License Suspended Because of a Reckless Driving Conviction?
If your license was suspended in connection with a reckless driving conviction, the penalties associated with driving on a suspended license will be aggravated. If you are convicted of driving without a license you will be required to serve at least 30 days in jail or complete 300 hours of community service. The penalties for driving with a suspended license increase with each subsequent violation. A first offense is punishable by up to 3 years in prison and $25,000 in fines. A second offense is punishable by up to 7 years in prison and $25,000 in fines. Third and subsequent offenses are punishable by up to 30 years in prison, $25,000 in fines, and the total revocation of your driving privileges.
Consequences of Driving With a Suspended License
In addition to jail time, fines, and the possible loss of your driving privileges, a conviction for driving with a suspended license will also result in a criminal record. When you have a criminal record you will find that it is very difficult to live a normal life. Criminal records will affect every aspect of your life, from your ability to get a job, to your ability to rent or buy a home, to the ability to take care of your family.
Defending Driving With a Suspended License Charges
When you are accused of driving with a suspended license you have the right to defend yourself. This is generally done by asserting any argument that will explain or excuse your alleged behavior. When these defenses are successful, the prosecutor will have a difficult time establishing that you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Your Chicago criminal defense attorney will use this as leverage to get the charges in your case reduced or dismissed. Defenses that may be helpful in your Chicago driving with a suspended license case include:
- Your license was not suspended;
- Your license was valid;
- You were not operating a vehicle; or
- There was no probable cause to pull you over.
Fighting Driving With a Suspended License Charges in Chicago
Have you been arrested for driving with a suspended license in Chicago? If so, it is important to speak with an experienced Chicago criminal defense attorney as soon as you can. The consequences of a conviction for driving with a suspended license can be devastating. You have the power to fight back against these criminal charges and protect your future, and the Kostopoulos Law Group can help. Call our Chicago criminal defense attorneys today to schedule a free consultation. We will review your case, determine the best strategy for defense, and answer any questions you have.
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Kostopoulos Law Group
Top-Rated Criminal Defense Law Firm in Dupage County
- 630-283-8024
- 18W140 Butterfield Rd #1504, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
