Legal Question in Traffic Law in Illinois

Suspended License

I was driving in my car with a cop following me. The cop turned on his lights and pulled me over. He asked for my license, registration, and insurance. He checked my license and came back and told me it was suspended (which I already knew.) The officer told me I needed to find someone to pick up the vehicle or they will tow it. I called around, but could not find anyone to come get the vehicle, so the officer had me drive the vehicle (keep in mind I have the suspended license) into a parking lot across the street. He took me down to the jail and booked me. During this whole incident, I was never told why I was pulled over, so I kindly asked the officer booking me what caused the officer to pull me over. He didn't know, so he went and asked the actual officer that pulled me over. The officer said he pulled me over because the car that was being drove was registered to someone with a suspended license. I thought you actually needed to be doing something wrong to be pulled over. Please help me if you can. Thank you


Asked on 2/27/08, 3:29 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
David Shestokas Shestokas, & Associates

Re: Suspended License

The police often do random checks of license plates to determine the status of the vehicle and/or the driver. If the plate check indicates that the owner is suspended, and the driver they see bears resemblance to the owner's description, there is probable cause to believe that the car is being driven by someone whose license to drive is suspended. This is a criminal offense in Illinois and gives the officer the ability to stop the car. You should have a lawyer for when you go to court.

Read more
Answered on 2/27/08, 7:20 am
Charles Dobra Charles Wm. Dobra, Ltd.

Re: Suspended License

Ah, the "magic" of having a computer in the police car! The police often "run" plates when they are on patrol, and arrest lots of folks that have a suspended license. Why don't you retain an attorney to help you get your driving privileges restored and for this case?

Read more
Answered on 2/27/08, 10:14 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Traffic Law questions and answers in Illinois