Consequences of Driving with a Suspended License in Illinois

 Posted on April 18, 2024 in Criminal Defense

There are many reasons why you might end up with a suspended driver’s license. Some reasons are more administrative, like failure to pay some fine, while others are related to some risk that your actions allegedly posed to other drivers. When that happens, you are not supposed to drive until you have resolved whatever the issue is to the court’s satisfaction, at which point you might get your license reinstated. If you are caught driving on a suspended license, you can face severe punishment. If your license was suspended and you are considering driving anyway, you might want to understand what consequences you might face if you get caught. This article will offer an overview, and a knowledgeable Chicago, IL criminal defense lawyer can answer your questions.

When Is a Driver’s License Suspended?

Your license can get suspended or revoked in Illinois for several reasons. These include:

• If you have accumulated a certain number of driving record points
• If you were supposed to appear in court but did not
• If you were given fines to pay and did not pay them
• If you were driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• If you were convicted of certain crimes like leaving the scene of an accident, reckless driving, and more.

If you drive with a suspended license, you should be aware of the serious consequences you might face if you get caught. You could be punished with:

• Fines
• Court costs
• Having your car impounded
• Further suspension of your license
• Revocation of your license
• Arrest 
• Imprisonment

All of the above examples can happen if you are merely caught driving with a suspended license. If, while driving without a valid license, you are involved in a car accident, the consequences can be even more severe. You might face civil liability to cover the costs of any injuries or damages resulting from the accident.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Cook County, IL Defense Attorney

Getting caught driving on a suspended license can have serious consequences. Having a skilled Chicago, IL criminal defense lawyer in your corner might be the best thing you can do in this situation. At Luisi Legal Group, our team of lawyers has decades of experience defending our clients against criminal charges. We will fight hard to protect your rights and will walk you through the process so you know what is happening and what you can expect every step of the way. Call us at 773-276-5541 to schedule a free consultation.