DWLS in Illinois

[Jcs4lifechicago]

I was recently ( last saturday) pulled over for speeding and improper lane usage. in the ensuing stop it came to light that my licence has been suspended since nov 28th thru may 28th of 2007. They took me to get booked and i bonded out. Ive been calling IL Sec. of State ever since getting info and I have found out it was suspended for 6 mnths due to 3 moving violations in 1 year and a previous suspention for same thing in 2003.
my question is...

will they suspend my licence for more time because i was driving while suspended, even though i wasnt aware of it?

if so, would getting an attorney improve my chances of them not extending suspention for another year?

What are my chances of getting a RDP for work? I have already filed proper paperwork to get hearing...

Thanks in advance for your help b.c i really need this whole thing taken care of a.s.a.p. my tickets were for going 15-20 over, 20-25 over, and failure to stop completely at a stop sign.

[Mr. Knowitall]

You certainly could face additional driver's license sanctions. It would make sense to consult a criminal defense lawyer.

Why didn't you receive notice of the suspension? Did you move and not update your license with your correct address?

[Jcs4lifechicago]

well the city i live in actually changed our physical address they said there were 2 differant homes on my street w/ the same numbers, weird... I never changed the address on my licence. I guess that was my fault. what i really need to know is who the person that makes that decision is in regards to furthur sanctions. would it be the judge when i go to court or would it be the secretary of state/ DMV? I've been making calls to people and nobody will give me a straight answer.

thanks

[seniorjudge]

...well the city i live in actually changed our physical address they said there were 2 differant homes on my street w/ the same numbers, weird....

That happens a lot.


Q: would it be the judge when i go to court or would it be the secretary of state/ DMV?

A: It will be the judge in the criminal case; it will be the DMV in the civil case.

[Jcs4lifechicago]

so then should I plea no contest? that way I'm not admitting guilt?

Will there be a civil case? It sounds like I should really get an attorney

[seniorjudge]

so then should I plea no contest? that way I'm not admitting guilt?

Will there be a civil case? It sounds like I should really get an attorney

If you plead no contest and are found guilty in the criminal part of your problem, then it is the same as if you had plead guilty.

The civil part of your problem is that the secretary of state handles the driver's licenses in your state. It is not criminal.

So, yes, get a lawyer.

[Jcs4lifechicago]

thank you for all who have replied I appreciate your help on this.