Driver’s License Reinstatement
Driver’s License Reinstatement or Restricted Driving Permits are almost always available to people who have had their driving privileges revoked or suspended. EVEN IF IT HAS BEEN REVOKED FOR LIFE! Mike and Judd are seasoned and knowledgeable attorneys. We are the lawyers that help give you peace of mind and the confidence necessary to appear before the Secretary of State and successfully petition for driving relief.
If you are convicted of a DUI, your license will be revoked. This revocation is mandatory and will absolutely require you to have a hearing before the Secretary of State. If your license has been suspended, there are many options for you that only experienced attorneys can help you understand.
Suspension vs. Revocation
The Illinois Secretary of State can suspend or revoke your license for several different offenses, including a DUI conviction. A revocation and suspended license in Illinois both mean the loss of your driving privileges, however, there are still several differences between these two designations.
Suspension is the loss of driving privileges for a specified period, 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 and obtain SR-22 insurance.
Revocation is far more serious and involves an indefinite loss of your driving privileges. Before the Eligibility Date, you can apply for a Restricted Driving permit if you can 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
If you have a revoked license in Illinois the reinstatement process must begin with an informal or formal hearing with 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 minor moving violations.
You must have a formal hearing if your offense involved a fatality or you have multiple DUI convictions.
Choosing Your Chicago License Reinstatement Lawyer
In a metropolitan area as dense as Chicago, Illinois, it can be difficult to figure out what law firm might be best to represent your case. A great license reinstatement lawyer in this city should possess a combination of excellent communication skills, experience, and a successful track record. When looking for an excellent Illinois driver’s license reinstatement lawyer, you should also consider the following factors:
Knowledge of Illinois Law: License reinstatement laws are complicated. They can also vary depending on the state you live in. A great lawyer should have a deep understanding of the Illinois legal system and traffic violations. This includes the specific laws related to your driver’s license being suspended or revoked. Examples of this include the 90-day decision rule, suspension periods, eligibility for a restricted driving permit (RDP) and breath alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID), as well as the statute of limitations on DUI/DWI charges.
Personalized Approach: Each driver’s case is unique. A standout attorney will take their time trying to listen and understand the circumstances of their clients. They’ll ask the right questions and work hard to get your license back.
Tenacity and Diligence: Reinstating a driver’s license can be a challenging process. It often involves extensive paperwork, corresponding with a hearing officer and the Secretary of State’s office, and completing an administrative hearing. Your lawyer needs to be focused, pay attention to details, and not give up.
Excellent Client Testimonials: In the digital age, reviews and testimonials from past clients are everything. Look for a lawyer with great feedback from past clients, showing they’re professional and get results.
Availability and Responsiveness: When you hire an attorney to represent your reinstatement claim, they should be accessible and available. Your lawyer should be easy to reach and quick to respond to your questions, keeping you updated as your case progresses.
Ethical Conduct: A standout lawyer will uphold the highest ethical standards and act in the best interest of a client. They should be honest about fees and billing, in addition to always looking out for your best interests.
Positive Reputation in the Legal Community: The lawyer you choose for your license suspension should have a positive reputation among their legal peers. This is also noticeable through a successful track record of settling or resolving legal claims like yours.
Legal Counsel For An Illinois License Reinstatement
Regardless of the type of hearing that you are facing, you don’t want to “go it alone,” especially in a state like Illinois. It is challenging enough, trying to get your driver’s license and driving privileges back on your own.
Johnson & Goldrich has more than 25 years of combined experience representing Petitioners at Secretary of State Hearing. Having appeared at thousands of hearings, Mike and Judd definitely have the experience that is necessary to succeed at a Secretary of State Hearing. Things happen, but we can help. Call us TODAY for a free consultation – 312-795-1801.