Chicago Criminal Lawyer Blog
If you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence in Chicago or anywhere in Illinois, your biggest concern might be avoiding jail time or fines. But one of the most immediate and damaging consequences is the suspension of your driver’s license. What many people fail to understand is that the suspension doesn’t depend on a conviction. It happens automatically if you don’t take specific legal steps—and quickly.
Under Illinois law, a driver arrested for DUI is issued a Notice of Statutory Summary Suspension. This notice activates a process that will suspend your license unless you file a petition to fight it. That suspension is civil in nature and totally separate from the criminal DUI charges. Even if your DUI is later dismissed, the suspension stands unless you challenge it in time.
At The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg, we know how easily clients fall into this trap, especially if they try to handle things on their own. The law moves fast. If you don’t file for a hearing within the allowed timeframe, the Secretary of State will suspend your license, and you could lose your ability to drive for months or even years.
