Being convicted of a DUI is not just stressful and embarrassing; it can seriously impact your life. No longer can you simply jump in your car and drive to work or the store. Instead, you must walk, deal with public transit, or ask a friend or family member for a ride. Thankfully, there are some things you can do to try and restore driving privileges after a DUI conviction.

License Suspension versus Revocation

There are two ways your driving privileges can be removed: suspension and revocation. The process of restoring privileges is different for each. As such, it is important that you understand the difference between a suspension and a revocation. A suspension is a temporary loss of your license, and it typically has an expiration period. On the other hand, a revocation is a complete cancellation of your license. You can have it restored, but the process is highly complex.

If you have lost your driver’s license, then you probably know how difficult the adjustment can be. Not being able to drive can put your job in jeopardy, and having to use public transportation can be a hassle. It can also be embarrassing to ask friends and family for rides. For these reasons, it is vital that you contact an attorney if you find yourself facing charges that could lead to a license suspension.

What Does a Suspended Driver's License Mean?

A suspended driver's license is quite self-explanatory. The ruling revokes any and all driving privileges during the period of suspension. According to DMV.org, if a person with a suspended license gets behind the wheel, a judge may lengthen his or her suspension period. The person may also lose his or her car.

If you have lost driving privileges as part of a criminal charge in Illinois, you need to speak with an attorney about the process of getting your license reinstated. Don’t attempt to drive when your license is suspended, because the consequences go beyond typical traffic violations.

At the bare minimum, being caught driving under a suspended license is a Class A misdemeanor with a possible fine of $2,500 and as many as 364 days spent in jail. Depending on your record, the penalties can get stiffer: you can spend up to seven years in prison with fines of up to $25,000.

You might be eligible to receive a restricted driving permit or reinstatement. You can only get your driving privileges reinstated on or after your eligibility date. If you haven’t reached your eligibility date yet, you could get a restricted driving permit. You would need to provide evidence of "undue hardship" as a result of lost driving privileges. Examples of undue hardship include medical care or daycare for children or elderly individuals, or court ordered community service or employment. You’d need to contact a hearing officer in order to start the ball rolling on this process.