Secretary of State Hearings

If you’ve had your Illinois driver’s license suspended and are about to go before a Secretary of State hearing in Joliet, Chicago, Springfield or any other city in the state, you should secure expert legal representation to make sure you are adequately prepared. Attorneys Michael Johnson and Judd Goldrich have successfully represented thousands of Illinois residents seeking reinstatement of their driving privileges, and they are ready to represent you as well.

Losing your driving privileges can have a devastating effect on your life, making it difficult to get to work or school, fulfill normal family obligations or travel.

But there’s hope. The Secretary of State has created a driver’s license reinstatement hearing program, allowing individuals seeking to reinstate their driving privileges the opportunity to prove that they were properly classified by their case evaluators, have received the appropriate treatment from their providers and are no longer a threat to public safety.

Informal and Formal Hearings

Informal hearings are offered for driving offenses that did not involve a fatality, for a first DUI, or for a minor moving violation. At an informal hearing only the Secretary of State hearing officer, you, and your attorney are present. The decision is explained in a short letter, and you may obtain a restricted driver’s permit or have your license reinstated.

Formal hearings are held for offenses involving a fatality or for multiple DUI convictions. Formal hearings are tape recorded, and those present include the SOS hearing officer, you, your attorney, and an attorney representing the Illinois Secretary of State. You will not receive a decision on the day of your hearing, and it may take up to 90 days for the report to be prepared. As a result of the hearing, you may receive a restricted driver’s permit, have your license reinstated, or receive a denial of reinstatement.

Legal Representation

To properly prepare for a reinstatement hearing, either informal or formal, it is very wise to have expert legal representation. At Johnson & Goldrich we have the knowledge, skill, and experience to review your evaluations, report updates, treatment documentation and whatever else is needed by the Secretary of State. Before you go to your hearing, you will be well prepared and there will be no surprises. The challenge is significant, and you shouldn’t try to do all this on your own. Call Johnson & Goldrich today, and let us put our 25 years of legal experience to work for you.