St. Charles Driving on a Suspended License Lawyer

Knowledgeable Attorneys Helping People Charged With Driving After License Suspensions or Revocations in St. Charles, IL

Being arrested for driving after your driver's license has been suspended or revoked is more than just a traffic violation—it is a criminal offense under Illinois law. If you are convicted, you may face fines, jail time, an extended suspension period, and a permanent mark on your criminal record. These consequences can affect your employment, lead to increased insurance costs, and create ongoing barriers to regaining your driving privileges.

The team at Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C. has multiple decades of legal experience, and we have helped thousands of clients defend against serious criminal charges and traffic offenses. We understand the impact that a suspended license can have on your life, especially when driving is essential for work, school, or meeting family responsibilities. Our attorneys will help you determine the best steps to take to resolve these charges and restore your driving privileges as soon as possible.

Reasons for Driver's Licenses Suspension or Revocation in Illinois

The Illinois Secretary of State can suspend or revoke a person's driver's license for a variety of reasons. A suspension is temporary, and it may be lifted after a designated period or once certain requirements have been met. A revocation is more severe, and a hearing will typically be required before driving privileges will be restored.

Some of the reasons why people's licenses may be suspended or revoked include:

• Convictions for driving under the influence (DUI)
• Statutory summary suspensions that apply when a person fails a blood alcohol content (BAC) test or refuses to take a chemical test after being arrested for DUI
• Failing to appear in court or pay traffic fines
• Failing to pay child support as required
• Three or more traffic violations within 12 months
• Driving without the required auto insurance coverage
• Failure to pay parking tickets or toll violations
• Involvement in an accident without proof of insurance

In many cases, people are unaware their license has been suspended until they are stopped by law enforcement. Some people may receive notice from the Secretary of State that their license has been suspended or revoked, but this may be too late to avoid a charge of driving without a valid license.

Penalties for Driving Without a Valid License

The severity of the charges for driving on a suspended license may depend on the reason for the original suspension or revocation and whether you have any prior convictions for driving without a valid license. A first-time charge of driving on a suspended license will typically result in Class A misdemeanor charges, and a conviction could lead to a sentence of as much as one year in jail and a maximum fine of $2,500. Any license suspensions that are currently in place will most likely be extended.

If your license had been suspended because of a conviction for reckless homicide involving a car accident that led to someone's death, or if you were prohibited from driving due to a conviction for aggravated DUI, driving on a suspended or revoked license may lead to Class 4 felony charges. If you are convicted, you could be sentenced to between one and three years in prison, and a maximum fine of $25,000 may apply.

A conviction for a second offense of driving on a suspended license will usually require a person to serve at least 100 hours of community service in addition to any other penalties. In cases involving license suspensions or revocations due to reckless homicide or DUI resulting in someone's death, a second offense may be charged as a felony, and additional offenses will result in more serious felony charges.

Defending Against Charges of Driving on a Suspended License

At Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C., we understand that many people charged with driving on a suspended license were not intentionally breaking the law. In many cases, a driver may be pulled over for a traffic violation and discover that their license was suspended due to a paperwork issue, a missed payment, or another court-related matter they were unaware of.

We will examine every detail of the case, including the reason for the suspension, the notice provided by the Secretary of State, and whether law enforcement had a legal basis for the traffic stop. Depending on the facts, we may be able to negotiate to have charges reduced or dismissed, or we may seek remedies such as court supervision to help you avoid a conviction. We will also work with you to have your license reinstated so that you can avoid additional charges in the future.

Contact Our St. Charles, Illinois Driving With a Suspended License Attorneys

After being arrested for driving on a revoked or suspended license in St. Charles or anywhere in Kane County or Northern Illinois, it is important to address these criminal charges correctly. At Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C., we will work with you to protect your freedom, your driving record, and your ability to drive legally. To schedule a free consultation, get in touch with our firm by calling 630-786-6062 or contacting us online.