People can lose their driver’s licenses for many reasons. Some may have their driving privileges revoked or suspended after being convicted of driving under the influence. Others may lose their license due to repeated counts of reckless driving or getting into too many accidents. Whatever the reason, having your driving privileges suspended can disrupt your life, but driving without a valid license can get you in even worse trouble. If you find yourself facing charges for driving on a suspended license, your Illinois revoked license lawyer may be able to help you mount a defense. Here’s what you should do to set yourself up for success.
Schedule a Consultation With an Attorney Immediately
As soon as you’re facing charges, contact your Illinois revoked license lawyer. Remember, if you’re being arrested for driving with a revoked license, you’re legally allowed to remain silent, and doing so can be in your best interest. If the officers are pressing you for information, tell them that you want to speak with your attorney and avoid saying anything else until you receive the legal advice you need.
Be Honest About Why You Were Driving
When you’re meeting with your attorney, answer their questions honestly. Tell them why you were driving on a suspended or revoked license. If you were just driving because you wanted to go somewhere, tell them. If you were driving because of a family emergency or other urgent situation, let them know. The more information they have, the easier it will be for them to defend you in court.
Notify the Authorities if You Have a Restricted Driving Permit
Police can make mistakes and it’s not unheard of for newer officers to arrest drivers even when they shouldn’t. If you’ve received a restricted driving permit but were arrested anyway, make this known immediately. Your restricted driving permit gives you permission to use your vehicle to get to important places like work, doctors’ appointments, and school. If you were arrested while using your restricted driving permit for permissible reasons, your attorney may be able to get your case dismissed.
Consider Questioning the Legality of the Stop
All traffic stops must happen for a legally valid reason. This means the officer needs reasonable suspicion to pull you over or should’ve witnessed questionable activity on the road to initiate the stop. If you were speeding, driving with your license plate obscured, or were driving recklessly, they may have legal grounds to pull you over. But if you were stopped while you were following the rules of the road, the officer may not have reasonable cause and your attorney may be able to get the charges against you dropped.
Let Your Attorney Guide You Through the Process
The most important thing you can do if you’re facing charges for driving on a suspended or revoked license is to let your attorney guide you through each step of the process. Your Illinois revoked license attorney is there to give you legal advice and help you figure out the best defense for your situation. It’s their job to advocate for you in court and find ways to encourage the court to reduce or dismiss your charges.
Contact Fabbrini Law Group Today
At Fabbrini Law Group, we know that life happens, and sometimes, events outside of your control force you to get behind the wheel when you know you shouldn’t. If you’re facing charges for driving with a revoked or suspended license, don’t wait. Contact the team at Fabbrini Law Group and schedule a consultation. Our experienced Illinois revoked license attorneys will review your case and help you figure out the best way to proceed.