Myths About The Illinois Secretary of State Hearings
It is not until you no longer have access to a driver’s license that you realize how important it is. Having your license revoked or suspended can make it difficult to travel at your convenience.
In this case, it is necessary to schedule a hearing with the Secretary of State. If your license has been revoked, it is important to attend a hearing in order to have it reinstated.
Attempting to get it reinstated is anything but easy, especially without legal support. There might be a lot of questions you have or rumors you’ve heard about these hearings.
Through our experience as reinstatement attorneys, we have also heard different myths regarding Secretary of State hearings. Unfortunately, believing some of these myths can lead to poor decisions and ultimately a denied petition.
Our lawyers can clarify misunderstandings about Secretary of State hearings in Chicago and other parts of Illinois. Let’s breakdown the myths below:
Hiring a Lawyer is a Bad Idea – False
Without the right legal representation in hearing, you are likely to end up with unwanted results. The process itself has many complicated ins and outs that are difficult to navigate on your own.
Hiring the wrong lawyer is also a very bad idea. An attorney who doesn’t focus on DUI and license reinstatements might find the process to be complicated. It is important to hire lawyers well-versed in DUI laws.
Better yet, you should find an attorney that has experience with Secretary of State hearings in Chicago. Johnson & Goldrich is a law firm with the knowledge and experience to help you.
A Lawyer Can Only Advise You Outside Of The Hearing – False
Your reinstatement attorney can advise and stand with you during all suspension and revocation hearings.
Lawyers Are Only Allowed At Formal Reinstatement Hearings – False
Lawyers have the permission to accompany you to both types of hearings. It’s best not to go to license reinstatement hearings alone if you have a lawyer to help you.
All Reinstatements After A DUI Require A Restricted Driving Permit (RDP) – False
Those who have only been convicted of one DUI will not require a restricted driving permit after their reinstatement. If you have two DUIs or two suspensions, you need a restricted permit to drive after getting your license back.
There are several requirements drivers must meet during their Illinois Secretary of State’s driver’s license reinstatements. Drivers must also meet the following criteria to receive an RDP:
- Evidence of a proven hardship
- A professional substance evaluation
- Evidence of treatment and chemical testing, when relevant
- Completed coursework related to substance abuse
The Secretary of State will review any evidence and the DUI case before making a decision on an RDP. This decision typically takes about 90 days.
Revoked or Suspended Drivers Get Denied at the First Hearing – False
Without an attorney, your chances of winning the first hearing are very slim. With lawyers, such as Johnson & Goldrich, your odds of winning greatly increase.
You have the right to legal representation by qualified experienced lawyers. Make sure to utilize that opportunity. The sooner you begin the process, the sooner you will be able to drive again!
If You Drink at All, You Won’t Get a Permit or Your License – False
If you are an alcoholic, of course, you should not be drinking after the loss of your driving privileges. If you do not have an alcohol problem, there is no reason why you cannot consume alcohol in moderation. It’s crucial for you to drink responsibly while your license is suspended and after it is reinstated.
Individuals who consume alcohol in a reckless manner tend to make poor choices. The Secretary of State needs to see that Non-Dependent Petitioners can drink responsibly. They will hesitate or deny a reinstatement if the driver will likely make alcohol-induced bad decisions. You need to prove that you are a responsible driver after a DUI arrest.
Discover Confident Representation With Our Illinois Driver’s License Reinstatement Lawyer
Do you have more questions regarding the Secretary of State hearings in Chicago? Please contact our team at Johnson & Goldrich, PC by calling (312) 795-1801.