Driving with a suspended license is not a minor traffic violation. In fact, it is a criminal offense that can result in fines, jail time, and further suspension of your driving privileges. For this reason, if you’ve been caught driving with a suspended license, you need to hire a competent Peoria suspended license lawyer as soon as possible. Fortunately, you’re in the right place. Contact Giraudo Law, Inc. today.
Suspended License Lawyer | Defending Your Driving Privileges & Future
Don’t face the penalties for driving with a suspended license without a seasoned Peoria traffic ticket lawyer in your corner. Our firm has extensive experience representing clients facing a wide range of traffic violations, including driving with suspended licenses, and we are here to put that experience to work for you in your case.
Penalties for Driving With a Suspended License in Illinois
The penalties for driving with a suspended license in Illinois depend on the reason for the suspension and the number of prior offenses. Some of the common reasons for suspension include:
- DUI
- Failure to pay traffic tickets or child support
- Accumulation of too many points on your driving record
- Driving without insurance
- Leaving the scene of an accident
The penalties for driving with a suspended license for these reasons are as follows:
- DUI: A first offense is a Class A misdemeanor, which warrants a minimum of 10 days in jail or 30 days of community service, and vehicle impoundment or immobilization. A second offense is a Class 4 felony that comes with a minimum of 30 days in jail or 300 hours of community service, and vehicle seizure and forfeiture. A third or subsequent offense is a Class 4 felony, which warrants a minimum of 180 days in jail, vehicle seizure, and forfeiture.
- Failure to pay traffic tickets or child support: A first offense is a Class A misdemeanor, which entails a $1,000 fine and vehicle impoundment or immobilization. A second offense is a Class 4 felony, which warrants a $25,000 fine and vehicle seizure and forfeiture. A third offense is a Class 4 felony, which warrants a $25,000 fine and vehicle seizure and forfeiture.
- Accumulation of too many points: A first offense is a Class A misdemeanor, which warrants a $1,000 fine and vehicle impoundment or immobilization. A second offense is a Class 4 felony, which warrants a $25,000 fine and vehicle seizure and forfeiture. A third offense is a Class 4 felony, which warrants a $25,000 fine and vehicle seizure and forfeiture
- Driving without insurance: A first offense is a Class A misdemeanor, which entails a $1,000 fine and vehicle impoundment or immobilization. A second offense is a Class 4 felony, which entails a $25,000 fine and vehicle seizure and forfeiture. A third offense is a Class 4 felony which entails a $25,000 fine, and vehicle seizure and forfeiture.
- Leaving the scene of an accident: A first offense is a Class A misdemeanor, which entails a $1,000 fine and vehicle impoundment or immobilization. A second offense is a Class 4 felony, which entails a $25,000 fine and vehicle seizure and forfeiture. A third offense is a Class 4 felony which entails a $25,000 fine, and vehicle seizure and forfeiture.
How to Get Your License Back
If your license has been suspended, you may be able to get it back by completing certain requirements such as:
- Paying all fines and fees
- Completing an alcohol or drug education program
- Installing an ignition interlock device in your vehicle
- Obtaining SR-22 insurance
Importantly, however, some suspensions require a formal hearing before the Secretary of State to reinstate your license. A formal hearing is required if:
- The suspension or revocation involved a death
- You have had multiple DUI convictions
- You must have a breath alcohol ignition interlock device in your vehicle
- You failed or refused to submit to drug or alcohol testing for a DUI arrest (statutory summary suspension) and want a restricted driving permit
A formal hearing is a complex and lengthy process that involves submitting a written request, paying a fee, presenting evidence and testimony, and waiting for a decision. You need a Peoria suspended license lawyer to guide you through this process and increase your chances of getting your license back.
Contact an Illinois Suspended License Lawyer Today
Don’t face these charges alone. Contact a suspended license lawyer from Giraudo Law, Inc. who can advocate for your best interests, every step of the way.
