Illinois Driver’s License Reinstatement Hearings

If you’re seeking driver’s license reinstatement in Chicago, Illinois, you need to contact the firm of Johnson & Goldrich. With more than 25 years of combined experience representing petitioners at Secretary of State hearings, attorneys Michael Johnson and Judd Goldrich have helped thousands of individuals regain their driving privileges.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

In Illinois, “Driving Under the Influence” is defined as operating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol, other drugs, cannabis (marijuana) prescribed for medical purposes, or intoxicating compounds and methamphetamine. Drivers are considered to be under the influence if they have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or more.

Suspension vs. Revocation

The Illinois Secretary of State can suspend or revoke your license for several different offenses, including a DUI conviction. While either means the loss of your driving privileges, they are different.

Suspension is the loss of driving privileges for a specified period of time, from a few months or up to several years. When the period of suspension ends your license will most likely be reinstated after you pay the reinstatement fees.

Revocation is far more serious and involves an indefinite loss of your driving privileges. Prior to the Eligibility Date, you can apply for a Restricted Driving permit if you are able to show undue hardship and prove that you have resolved your alcohol problem. After the Eligibility Date, you can apply for either full reinstatement or a Restricted Driving Permit after you prove that you have resolved your alcohol problem.

Reinstatement Procedure for Revoked Licenses

To have your driver’s license reinstated after being revoked, you must have either an informal or formal hearing with the office of the Illinois Secretary of State.

Informal hearings are for offenses that did not involve a fatality, a single loss of driving privileges for Driving Under the Influence, fraudulent statements, or for minor moving violations.

You must have a formal hearing if your offense involved a fatality or you have multiple DUI convictions.

Legal Counsel

Whatever type of hearing that you are facing, you don’t want to “go it alone.” You need expert representation, and with our years of experience and our commitment to client satisfaction, we can provide the assistance that you need. Call us today for a consultation and give us the opportunity to help you regain your driving privileges.