Lawyer for Secretary of State Hearings for Illinois Drivers
If you’ve had your Illinois driver’s license suspended or revoked, you will need to attend a Secretary of State hearing to pursue license reinstatement. Formal hearings can take place in Chicago, Springfield, Joliet, and Mt. Vernon, while informal hearings are conducted at select Illinois Driver Services facilities. You may also request a virtual formal hearing.
Before attending a hearing, you should secure legal representation to make sure you are adequately prepared. Our driver’s license lawyers at Johnson & Goldrich, P.C., have successfully represented thousands of Illinois drivers seeking to regain their driving privileges. In fact, we have one of the best win records in Illinois and have appeared at over 10,000 hearings.
We understand that losing your license can have a devastating impact on your life. It can make it difficult to get to work or school, fulfill normal family obligations, and travel. Fortunately, we’re here to help you get back on the road.
The Secretary of State’s hearing program for driver’s license reinstatement gives people a chance to make their case. The goal is to prove that you are responsible enough to hold a license and are not a threat to public safety.
If you are looking for a Secretary of State hearing lawyer in Illinois, contact our law firm now.
Formal Hearing Locations
Formal hearings are conducted at the following locations in Illinois:
- 17 N. State St., Suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60602
- 2701 S. Dirksen Parkway, Room 103, Springfield, IL 62723
- 54 N. Ottawa St., Fourth Floor, Joliet, IL 60432
- 218 S. 12th St., Mt. Vernon, IL 62864
Informal vs. Formal Administrative Hearings
There are two types of hearings drivers can attend if they want to obtain a Restricted Driving Permit (RDP) or full license reinstatement. These include informal and formal hearings. Informal hearings are for drivers who have lost their license for any of the following:
- An offense(s) not involving a fatality
- A single DUI disposition
- Sanctions related to other moving violations that result in a revoked driver’s license
- Issues regarding fraud
An informal hearing officer will conduct the hearing, and no appointment is necessary. Your lawyer will attend the hearing with you. Your success will hinge on convincing the hearing officer you’re no longer at risk of committing the same offense(s) that led to your license suspension or revocation.
After the hearing, you may receive an RDP or full reinstatement of your driving privileges. The Secretary of State will communicate their decision in a short letter.
Formal hearings are held for drivers who have lost their driving privileges due to the following:
- An offense(s) involving a fatality or serious injury
- Multiple DUI dispositions
You must submit a written request for a formal hearing by mail to schedule it. Your request must include a non-refundable $50 filing fee. After the Secretary of State receives the request, you’ll receive a notice in the mail with the date of your hearing.
Formal hearings include you, your attorney, a hearing officer, and an attorney representing the Illinois Secretary of State. At formal hearings, the officer can rule on all motions and subpoena witnesses or documents at the request of any party. They can also examine witnesses, administer oaths, and decide whether or not evidence is admissible.
After your hearing, you will not receive a decision on the same day. It may take up to 90 days to receive the Secretary of State’s report.
As a result of your formal hearing, you may receive an RDP or have your license reinstated. You can also receive a denial or a continued revocation/suspension with conditions for future eligibility. If you have any concerns before your hearing, we encourage you to contact our law firm. You may also review our guide on Secretary of State hearing questions and myths.
Why Work With an Attorney for Your Illinois Secretary of State Administrative Hearing?
Why hire an attorney for your hearing? To properly prepare for a Secretary of State hearing, you should seek legal representation. At Johnson & Goldrich, P.C., our attorneys have the knowledge, skill, and experience to represent you. We know what the Secretary of State expects to see from drivers petitioning for license reinstatement and driving relief.
Our law firm will use all of our resources to help you get your driving privileges back as quickly as possible. We attend informal and formal Secretary of State hearings in Chicago and other locations across Illinois.
Contact Us
Contact Johnson & Goldrich, P.C., and let us put our over 25 years of combined experience to work for you.