Chicago DUI lawyer says they will put you in jail just for driving

This Chicago DUI lawyer gets asked the same question a lot. Isn’t this just a traffic ticket? She’s posted here, here, and here about the consequences of driving on a suspended or revoked license. So today, she thought she’d share a conversation she has at least once each day. This hypothetical conversation is about being charged with a suspended or revoked driver’s license.

Accused: I got charged with a traffic offense.

Chicago DUI Lawyer: What’s the charge?

Accused: Driving without a license

Chicago DUI Lawyer: Driving without a license or do you mean driving while suspended or revoked?

Accused: Yep. That’s it, driving while suspended or revoked.

Chicago DUI Lawyer: Did you have a valid license when you were stopped?

Accused (indignant): No. I’ve never had a driver’s license.

Chicago DUI Lawyer: You know they can put you in jail for that right?

Accused (worried): Why would they do that?

Chicago DUI Lawyer: Because your state legislators decided that a person who would continue to drive without a license should be punished and punished severely.

Accused: A whole year?

Chicago DUI Lawyer: Yes up to a whole year if it’s a misdemeanor, even more time if it’s a felony charge.

Accused: What are you talking about, this is just traffic?

Chicago DUI Lawyer: Unfortunately, it isn’t. Do you consider carjacking a traffic case?

Accused: Of course not that’s theft.

Chicago DUI Lawyer: You realize it also involves a car right?

Accused: Okay, okay I get it.

Chicago DUI Lawyer: You wouldn’t call a carjacking a traffic case right?

Accused: No.

Driving on a suspended or revoked license is a serious offense. Even if you aren’t facing jail time you should have a knowledgeable attorney represent you. Many people choose to plead guilty and “pay a little fine” not realizing that they are giving themselves a criminal record. It’s true, that the accused is always admonished as to the maximum penalty for the crime and they sign a jury waiver indicating that they accept the court’s admonishments, but time after time I come across folks who apparently had not idea what they were signing away or just how serious this offense is.

Free Legal Advice: If your license is suspended or revoked, don’t drive until you have a valid driver’s license in you hand. It is the law and it’s not just a “traffic ticket”.