Buffalo Grove Driving While License Revoked Due to DUI Lawyer

Skilled Defense Attorney for Charges of Driving While Your License is Suspended or Revoked Due to DUI in Lake County

If you have been accused of driving on a license suspended or revoked due to a DUI, you will face very serious criminal charges in accordance with Illinois law. Properly addressing these charges requires a strategic approach that only skilled legal counsel is equipped to provide. For legal help, reach out to a Buffalo Grove DUI defense attorney.

At The Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C., we have the resources and legal knowledge to represent clients accused of driving on a license suspended or revoked as a result of a DUI conviction. As a former criminal prosecutor, Attorney Matthew Gebhardt understands what goes into a charge like this.

How Serious Is Driving With a Suspended or Revoked License Due to DUI in Illinois?

The severity of this charge hinges on how many past convictions the offender has on record. Our firm can review your case to give you a realistic idea of the penalties you face and how you can respond.

First conviction: Class A misdemeanor; possible imprisonment of up to 12 months; mandatory imprisonment of 10 days in jail or 30 days of community serv­ice; fines of up to $2,500; suspension of driving privileges for double the original suspension period or additional revocation of 1 year; may result in seizure or for­feiture of vehicle.

Second conviction: Class 4 felony; possible imprisonment of one to three years; minimum 30 days in jail or 300 hours of community service; fines of up to $25,000; suspension of driving privileges for double the original suspension period or additional revocation of one year; may result in seizure or forfeiture of vehicle.

Third conviction: Class 4 felony; possible imprisonment of one to three years; minimum 30 days in jail; fines of up to $25,000; suspension of driving privileges for double the original suspension period or additional revocation of one year; may result in seizure or forfeiture of vehicle.

Fourth through ninth conviction: Class 4 felony; possible imprisonment of one to three years; minimum 180 days in jail; fines of up to $25,000; suspension of driv­ing privileges for double the original suspension period or additional revocation of one year; may result in seizure or forfeiture of vehicle.

Tenth through 14th conviction: Class 3 felony; possible imprisonment of two to seven years; not eligible for probation or conditional discharge; fines of up to $25,000; suspension of driving privileges for double the original suspension period or additional revocation of one year; may result in seizure or forfeiture of vehicle.

Challenging Charges of Driving On a Suspended License in Illinois

A charge for driving on a suspended license does not automatically mean a conviction. Several defense strategies can apply depending on the facts of the case.

One key issue is whether the traffic stop itself was legitimate. Police need a valid reason to pull a driver over, such as a traffic violation or equipment issue. If the officer lacked a lawful basis for the stop, any evidence gathered afterward, including the discovery of a suspended license, could be challenged in court.

Another defense involves whether the driver was actually in control of the vehicle. Illinois law requires proof that a person was driving or in actual physical control of a car while their license was suspended. If someone was sitting in a parked vehicle, was not the one operating it, or was in a situation where control is unclear, this element may be difficult for prosecutors to prove.

Contact Our Buffalo Grove DUI Defense Attorney Today

Reach out to The Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C. today if you need help with your DUI or driver's license suspension case. Call 847-239-4703 or contact our Buffalo Grove, IL DUI defense attorney for a free consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney.