DuPage County Lawyer for Driving with a Suspended License

Criminal Defense Attorney in Wheaton, Illinois

In Illinois, a person's driver's license may be suspended or revoked for multiple moving violations, driving under the influence (DUI), leaving the scene of an accident, certain drug crimes, and several other offenses. Once your license has been suspended or revoked, you may not legally drive any motor vehicle. If you are caught driving on a suspended or revoked license, you may be charged with an additional criminal offense.

I am Wheaton criminal defense lawyer Stephen A. Brundage. I have been serving individuals accused of criminal offenses for over 30 years. Before I was an attorney, I worked as a law enforcement officer. My unique background gives an exceptional vantage point during criminal proceedings. I use my experience and legal knowledge to develop powerful defense strategies and protect the rights of the accused. If you have been charged with driving without a valid driver's license, I can help you understand your legal options and take the actions that will give you the best chances possible of avoiding criminal penalties.

Lawyer for Driving Without a Valid License in Naperville and the Surrounding Areas

If a driver is subject to a driver's license suspension, they are prohibited from driving until the suspension period ends. A driver's license revocation, on the other hand, does not have an expiration date. To reinstate a license that has been revoked, you will need to attend a hearing with a representative from the Illinois Secretary of State and prove that you have taken the steps necessary to get your license reinstated.

I offer dependable legal representation and support for individuals who want to reinstate their driver's license and regain their driving privileges. I also serve individuals who are facing criminal charges for driving with a license that has been suspended or revoked.

Criminal Consequences for Driving on a Suspended or Revoked License

You do not have to commit a crime to get your driver's license suspended in Illinois. Something as simple as failure to pay traffic tickets can result in a driver's license suspension. However, if you are caught driving after the state has suspended your license, the situation escalates dramatically. In some cases, driving without a valid license is even a felony offense.

The criminal penalties associated with driving on a suspended on revoked license including the following:

• Misdemeanor charges – If you are charged with driving with a suspended or revoked driver's license for the first time, this is usually a class A misdemeanor offense. If convicted, you may be fined up to $2,500. There is also a mandatory minimum jail sentence of 10 days and a maximum jail sentence of up to a year. The license suspension or revocation period may also be extended.
• Felony charges — If you are caught driving without a valid license, and you were previously convicted of driving on a suspended or revoked license, the offense may be classified as a class 4 felony. Driving on a revoked license after a conviction for reckless homicide may also result in felony charges. While any criminal conviction can result in significant penalties, a felony conviction typically carries much harsher penalties than a misdemeanor. If you are convicted of felony driving on a suspended or revoked license, you may be fined up to $25,000. In addition, you may face a mandatory minimum jail sentence of 30 days and a maximum sentence of three years. Having a felony conviction on your record can also dramatically influence your employment opportunities in the future.

Call Us for Help Today

If you were charged with driving on a suspended or revoked license, you could be facing jail time. In my decades of experience as a criminal defense lawyer, I have helped many people in your exact situation. I know what you are up against, and I can help you build a solid defense against the charges. Contact us today to get the legal guidance you need. Call 630-260-9647 for a confidential, free initial consultation. Stephen A. Brundage, Attorney at Law serves individuals throughout Chicago, including those in Wheaton, DuPage County, Kane County, Naperville, Aurora, Carol Stream, Lombard, Elgin, and Downers Grove.