Driver’s License Reinstatement
How Can Your Driver’s License Be Reinstated?
Upon conviction for a charge of Driving Under the Influence, the Secretary of State must revoke your driving privileges.
Informal Hearings
The Secretary of State Hearing Department primarily conducts hearings for drivers seeking reinstatement of a license that has been suspended or revoked due to driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol (or drugs).
Hearings are conducted by an informal hearing officer, and are held at selected Driver Services Facilities.
Informal hearings may result in the issuance of a Restricted Driving Permit or full reinstatement of driving privileges to someone with one alcohol-related offense or regarding suspension or revocation related to lesser moving violations. The hearing officer submits all documentation to the main office in Springfield and a decision is mailed to the applicant
Formal Hearings
A hearing officer presides at a formal hearing at which both testimony and evidence is heard. The officer is authorized to rule on all motions, administer oaths, subpoena witnesses or documents at the request of any party, examine witnesses and rule upon the admissibility of evidence.
Offenses such as multiple DUI offenses are handled through formal hearings. An order reflecting the recommendation of the hearing officer and the decision of the Secretary of State is issued.
A formal hearing must be requested in writing.
Formal hearings are held in four locations: Springfield, Chicago, Joliet, and Mt. Vernon.
We would always recommend having an attorney present with you at any hearing. Any documentation you provide and/ or statements you make during the process will usually be retained by the Secretary of State and may be used against you in future proceedings.
Most States are members of the Intrastate Compact Act, which gives full faith and credit to licensing authorities in each State. This means that most States will not issue driving privileges if you are revoked and/or suspended in any other State. Therefore, if you were to move out of State, you would still have to address the revocation and/or suspension of your driving privileges in the State you are revoked or suspended first.
In Illinois, if you are arrested for driving while license suspended or revoked as a result of a DUI arrest, a jail sentence may be imposed.
Each case is different and requires an individual evaluation. It is extremely important to promptly consult a lawyer to preserve and protect your rights.
If you do nothing to stop the action, your driver’s license will be suspended 46 days after your DUI arrest. To understand that and all the consequences of a DUI arrest, call the Russo Law Offices and talk to an experienced DUI defense lawyer in Wheaton, Illinois.
A DUI/DWI or other alcohol-related offense has a lot of ramifications. In addition to the criminal charges, the arrested person faces driver’s license suspension and/or revocation. Talk to a DUI defense lawyer about the criminal charges as well your driving privileges.
- If you need to drive, you may be eligible for a Restricted Driving Permit. Most people need to drive. Driving to work, driving during work, driving to school, to medical appointments, – all require a valid driver’s license. Talk to an attorney about a restricted driving permit.
- License suspension is automatic after 46 days. That is why you need to act quickly.
- If you refused a breath or blood test, suspension is automatic. The statutory summary suspension is also automatic if your blood alcohol content registered .08 or above.
At the Russo Law Offices in Wheaton and Chicago, you can be assured of finding the right lawyer to help you through the license reinstatement process. Attorney Richard Russo, using all the resources of the Associated Legal Services Chartered, provides experienced representation for clients who require a criminal defense lawyer.