Secretary of State Hearings and Reinstatement of Your Driver’s License Following an Illinois DUI

 Posted on December 27, 2018 in DUI Defense

There are many ways that you can lose your driving privileges in Illinois -- not paying child support, not taking care of parking tickets and not paying toll fees. However, the most common way Illinoisans lose their driving privileges is by being convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) or related charges. In Illinois, you are subject to an administrative license suspension, in addition to any criminal suspensions you may face. Failing a chemical test to measure your blood-alcohol content (BAC) and refusing to take a chemical test are two common DUI-related charges that result in a loss of driving privileges. In order to get your driving privileges back, you will have to attend an informal or formal hearing at the Illinois Secretary of State’s office.

Informal Hearings

If your driver’s license was suspended or revoked due to a DUI-related charge or conviction that did not involve a fatality and this was your first DUI, you do not have to attend a formal hearing and can attend an informal hearing. Informal hearings are held at certain driver services facilities throughout the state on a walk-in basis. You will provide the hearing office with all applicable documentation, which will then be sent to the main office in Springfield. The main office will mail you a letter stating the outcome of the hearing, which can be either a denial, a restricted driving permit or a full reinstatement of your driving privileges.

Formal Hearings

If this is not your first DUI disposition or your DUI charge involved a fatality, you will be required to attend a formal administrative hearing. You must mail in a written request for a hearing, which will take place at administrative buildings in either Springfield, Chicago, Joliet, or Mt. Vernon. During the hearing, a hearing officer will listen to all testimony, review all documentation and examine all evidence and witnesses. The hearing officer will then issue a recommendation based on all of that information.

A Skilled Chicago Driver’s License Reinstatement Attorney Can Help

No matter the reason your driving privileges were taken away from you, the Luisi Legal Group can help. Our skilled Rolling Meadows driver’s license reinstatement lawyers can help you throughout the reinstatement process and will be by your side every step of the way. Losing the freedom to drive can put an unnecessary strain on you and your family. If you have lost your driving privileges for any reason, contact our office today. Call us at 773-276-5541 to schedule a free consultation.

Source:

http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/administrative_hearings/hearings.html#formal