Driving on a Revoked License

Driving on a Revoked License in Illinois

If you have been charged with Driving on a Revoked License in Illinois, you are facing serious legal consequences that could lead to jail time, hefty fines, and an even longer revocation of your driving privileges. James Dimeas, a seasoned criminal defense attorney with over 32 years of experience, has successfully defended countless clients charged with Driving on a Revoked License. If you are facing these charges, I can help you fight to protect your rights and minimize the consequences.

What Does It Mean to Drive on a Revoked License in Illinois?

In Illinois, driving privileges can be revoked for a variety of reasons, including:

• DUI convictions (Driving Under the Influence)
• Multiple traffic violations
• Failure to pay traffic fines
• Leaving the scene of an accident involving injury or death
• Reckless driving offenses
• Failure to comply with child support payments

If your driver’s license is revoked, it means that the Illinois Secretary of State has terminated your driving privileges indefinitely. Unlike a suspended license, which has a set end date, a revoked license can only be reinstated through a formal process that requires approval from the Secretary of State.

If you are caught driving while your license is revoked, you could be charged with Driving on a Revoked License (625 ILCS 5/6-303), which is a serious criminal offense in Illinois.

Examples of Driving on a Revoked License Cases in Illinois

Example 1: DUI-Related Revocation

John was convicted of DUI two years ago, resulting in the revocation of his driver’s license. He needed to get to work, so he decided to drive without a valid license. A police officer pulled him over for a broken taillight, ran his information, and discovered that his license was revoked due to the DUI conviction. John was arrested and charged with Driving on a Revoked License.

Example 2: Multiple Traffic Violations

Sarah accumulated too many traffic violations over the years, leading to a revocation of her license. She continued to drive to pick up her children from school. One day, she was involved in a minor accident. When the police arrived at the scene, they checked her license status and discovered it was revoked. She was arrested and charged.

Example 3: Driving on a Revoked License After Denial of Reinstatement

Mike applied for license reinstatement but was denied due to an unresolved issue with a previous DUI case. Frustrated, he continued to drive, believing he had no other choice. After running a red light, a police officer stopped him and found out about his revoked status. Mike was arrested and faced serious penalties, including possible jail time.

Legal Penalties for Driving on a Revoked License in Illinois

Driving on a revoked license is a criminal offense, not just a traffic violation. The severity of the penalties depends on the reason for the revocation and prior offenses.

First Offense – Class A Misdemeanor

• Up to one year in jail
• Fines of up to $2,500
• Possible extension of license revocation

Subsequent Offenses – Increased Penalties

• Second offense: Minimum of 100 hours of community service or 30 days in jail
• Third offense or more: Charged as a felony with harsher penalties

Felony Charges for Driving on a Revoked License

Certain cases of Driving on a Revoked License can be charged as a felony, including:

• If the original revocation was due to a DUI conviction.
• If you have multiple prior convictions for Driving on a Revoked License.
• If the offense occurs while you were involved in an accident that resulted in injury or death.

Felony Classifications:

• Class 4 Felony (Aggravated Driving on a Revoked License): 1-3 years in prison, fines up to $25,000
• Class 3 Felony (Multiple prior offenses or DUI-related revocation): 2-5 years in prison, substantial fines
• Class 2 Felony (Revoked due to a fatal accident or DUI): 3-7 years in prison, increased fines

Additionally, if convicted, the Secretary of State may extend the revocation period or deny reinstatement requests.

Consequences of Being Charged with Driving on a Revoked License

A conviction for Driving on a Revoked License in Illinois can have long-term consequences, including:

1. Extended Revocation – Your license may remain revoked for an extended period, making it even harder to get it reinstated.
2. Higher Insurance Rates – Insurance companies may consider you a high-risk driver, leading to increased premiums or cancellation of coverage.
3. Jail Time and Criminal Record – Even for a first offense, you could face jail time, and a conviction will stay on your criminal record, affecting your employment opportunities.
4. Impact on Employment – Many jobs require a valid driver’s license, and a conviction could make it difficult to find or keep employment.
5. Difficulty in Reinstating Your License – Each conviction adds more complications to the license reinstatement process, requiring you to go through administrative hearings with the Illinois Secretary of State.

How I Can Help You Fight Driving on a Revoked License Charges

If you are facing Driving on a Revoked License charges, you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer to fight for you. As an award-winning criminal defense attorney, I will:

• Analyze your case to identify legal defenses
• Challenge the traffic stop if the police violated your rights
• Negotiate with prosecutors to reduce or dismiss the charges
• Advocate for alternative sentencing (community service instead of jail)
• Help you pursue reinstatement of your license legally

Possible Defenses for Driving on a Revoked License

Some possible defenses include:

• You were not actually driving – A mistaken identity case
• Unlawful traffic stop – Police must have a valid reason to stop you
• Emergency Situations – Driving due to a legitimate emergency
• Errors in the revocation records – Mistakes in the Secretary of State’s records

Contact Attorney James Dimeas Today for a Free Consultation

If you have been charged with Driving on a Revoked License in Illinois, do not face these charges alone. The penalties are serious, and a conviction could change your life permanently. I have spent over 32 years defending clients in Illinois, and I know how to fight these charges effectively.

Call me today at (847) 807-7405 for a free consultation. Let’s discuss your case and develop a strategy to get you back on the road—legally and safely.

If you or a loved one is dealing with a Driving on a Revoked License charge, contact me today for aggressive legal representation. Your future is too important to risk!