How Can I Get My Driver’s License Back After an Illinois DUI?

 Posted on April 15, 2022 in DUI

Everybody makes mistakes, but sometimes our mistakes have a major impact on our life. Getting caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs in Illinois carries serious consequences in Illinois, including the suspension of your driver’s license. However, living without a driver’s license makes working and running everyday errands complicated and difficult. If you have had your driver’s license suspended because of a DUI, you probably want to get your license reinstated so you can get your driving privileges back as soon as possible; fortunately, an experienced driver’s license reinstatement attorney can help. 

Attending a Hearing

You have done your community service, paid your fines, and maybe even spent some time in jail. You should be able to pay a small fee and get your license reinstated, right? Not so fast - thanks to the Illinois Secretary of State’s office, which wants to ensure that giving your driving privileges back would not endanger public safety. First, you need to attend a special hearing to prove you would not be a threat to other drivers. Depending on the severity of your DUI charges, your hearing will either be “formal” or “informal.” 

Informal hearings can be done in select locations on a walk-in basis. This hearing is supervised by a hearing officer who can issue a restricted driving permit or fully reinstate your driving privileges, but you will not get your decision right away - it will come in the mail after the hearing officer submits the necessary documentation to the Springfield office. 

Formal hearings can only be done in one of four locations, and you must request a hearing by mail. If you have had multiple DUIs or a DUI involving a crash in which someone was seriously injured or killed, you will need to attend a formal hearing. At the hearing, you will need to provide testimony and evidence and, if you do not speak English, you will need to bring a translator. Understanding and preparing the necessary evidence for formal hearings can be difficult, but an attorney can help you get everything ready. We know what officers want to hear and can help you build a strong case for license reinstatement. 

Talk to a Joliet, IL Driver’s License Reinstatement Lawyer

At McNamara Phelan McSteen, LLC, our experienced Joliet driver’s license reinstatement attorneys are committed to helping our clients move on with their lives after they have made amends for their mistakes. We have helped many people get their Illinois driver’s licenses reinstated so they can get back to normal life. Our conveniently located McDonough Street offices are comfortable and welcoming. Call us now at 815-727-0100 to learn more about the process and how we can help.

Sources: 

https://www.ilsos.gov/departments/administrative_hearings/hearings.html 

https://www.ilsos.gov/departments/drivers/drivers_license/dlreinstatement.html