If I’m Convicted of a DUI in Illinois Will I Lose My License?

 Posted on July 28,2017 in DUI/DWI

If you are convicted ofdriving under the influence (DUI) in Illinois your driver’s license may be suspended, revoked, or placed under supervision. However, the fact that you have been convicted of a DUI does not necessarily mean that that your driving privileges will be curtailed. It all depends on the circumstances surrounding your DUI.

Before we examine some situations under which driving privileges are often limited in connection with DUIs, let us briefly discuss the difference between a revoked license, a suspended license, and a supervised license in Illinois.

While there are a variety of technical differences between a revoked and a suspended license, the key difference is that a suspension has an end date while a revocation is permanent. A suspended license can be reinstated after a certain amount of time has passed and a hearing officer from the Secretary of State has confirmed that all stipulated requirements have been satisfied. However, a revoked driver’s license can not be reinstated (although the driver can usually apply for a new license after some time has passed). Furthermore, a license suspension is often temporary and will be lifted as soon as the driver successfully jumps through specified hoops (for example, paying fines, maintaining a clean driving record, completing alcohol classes etc.).

Under Illinois law, a first-time driving under the influence offender is generally eligible to have his or herlicense placed under supervision for a specified period of time. However, the court also has the option of suspending the violator’s license (generally for at least one year) instead of placing the license under supervision. Further, the Illinois Secretary of State can revoke the driver’s license if they are convicted for violating section 6-205 of the Illinois Compiled Statutes, i.e. driving under the influence of alcohol, other drugs, intoxicating compounds, or any combination thereof, according to the following timetable:

• First DUI Conviction: Revocation for up to one year.
• Two DUI Convictions Within 20 Years: Revocation for up to five years.
• Three DUI Convictions: Revocation for up to 10 years.
• Four DUI Convictions: Revocation for life.

Additionally, it should be noted that your driving privileges can be impacted in Illinois even if you have not actually been convicted of driving under the influence. Under some circumstances, simply being under suspicion of having committed a DUI is sufficient to have your license suspended. For example, your driver’s license will be immediately suspended if you are pulled over by a police officer who determines that your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08 percent or greater and you refuse testing.

Let Us Help You Today

At The Law Offices of Christopher M. Cosley, our dedicated Rolling Meadows DUI defense lawyers are committed to providing exceptional representation to each and every one of our clients. Whether you have been charged with driving under the influence and are in need of an experienced criminal defense lawyer to represent you in court or are seeking legal counsel to help you regain your driving privileges, we would be happy to assist you.

Source:

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=062500050K6-205