Getting accused of driving with a revoked license is a serious crime in Illinois. A revocation means that the state has removed your driving privileges entirely, unlike a suspension, which is temporary. If you’re accused of this crime, you need our driving with a revoked license lawyers in St. Charles immediately.
Hirsch Law Group has successfully helped more than 10,000 clients, and we will work hard to defend you from the charge you’re facing. We’ll work to help you avoid jail time and rebuild your driving privileges. Contact our St. Charles traffic ticket lawyers for a free initial meeting.
What Does It Mean to Have Your License Revoked?
Illinois considers driving to be a privilege, not a right. Your driver’s license is your proof that you have the privilege to drive. When your license is revoked, it means the state no longer allows you to drive, period.
It is possible to get your driving privileges back, but you have to formally apply for a license at a hearing with the Secretary of State. This is different from a suspension, where your privileges are automatically restored once your suspension is over.
A suspension on its own is usually pretty serious, but a revocation is for extremely serious matters. You will need a St. Charles driving with a revoked license lawyer to assist you with your defense so you can avoid or reduce your penalties.
Why Are Licenses Revoked?
Revocations happen when an underlying offense is so serious that the state thinks you should not drive permanently. Here are common reasons why the state may take this step.
- Multiple DUI convictions
- Reckless homicide
- Aggravated DUI involving death or injury
- Drag racing accidents involving death or injury
- Repeated serious traffic violations within a certain period
- Some felony convictions involving a vehicle
Because the underlying reason for the revocation is often strong, revocations are harder to disprove. Nevertheless, there are defenses against this charge that we can use.
Defenses Against Driving with a Revoked License in St. Charles
There are four main defenses against a charge of driving on a revoked license. Two are administrative. We can try to show that you were not notified of the revocation or that the state has incorrect records about your revocation.
Another is to show that the underlying reason for your revocation is wrong somehow. This can be done by showing it didn’t happen or showing that the procedures used to put that reason on you were incorrect or illegal.
The last defense is necessity or emergency. If we can show there was a reason for your driving that is stronger than the need for you to stay off the road, this can be a defense.
What Are The Potential Penalties?
The first time you’re caught driving with a revoked license is a Class A misdemeanor, unless the revocation was due to DUI. You can be held for up to one year in jail and face fines of up to $2500.
If you are a repeat offender or DUI was the cause of the revocation, you can be charged with a Class 4 felony, which would put you in prison for up to three years. You’ll also face fines up to $25,000 and lose several civil rights.
In either case, you can also expect increased insurance rates, possible SR-22 compliance, or vehicle impoundment. If you are an immigrant, you may also face immigration consequences and could be deported.
Can You Help Me Reinstate My License?
In order to reinstate your license, you have to have a formal hearing with the Secretary of State’s Office of Administrative Hearings. Our St. Charles driving with a revoked license lawyers can represent you at the hearing and work to persuade the court to reinstate your license.
The court may demand certain things first. There may be a mandatory period you’ll have to wait through before requesting your hearing. If drugs or alcohol were involved in your case, you may need to complete a substance abuse evaluation.
You may also be required to install a breath alcohol ignition interlock device. This will require you to take a breath test before you can start your vehicle. You’ll be required to pay all expenses related to the device.
How Can Hirsch Law Group Help Me?
We have experience representing people charged with this crime and representing people at an administrative hearing. Our goal is to reduce your penalties as much as possible and help you get back in good standing with the state so you can drive again.
Our firm has former prosecutors and state attorneys on staff who know the area judges, prosecutors, and courts. We have a total combined experience of 100 years, and we’ve had over 10,000 successful case outcomes.
Our legal team speaks both English and Spanish and also handles immigration law. We know how this charge can intersect with any immigration proceedings you have and can explain what this charge means for your journey to stay in the United States.
Contact Hirsch Law Group Now
If you have been accused of driving on a revoked license, this is a serious matter that deserves a serious defense. You could be charged with a felony which can alter the rest of your life. You need a driving with a revoked license lawyer in St. Charles as soon as you can. Start your defense now by contacting Hirsch Law Group for a free initial meeting.
