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Video Blog: Illinois Driver’s License Reinstatement
Featured Video – General Overview
A driver’s license revocation can impact many aspects of a person’s life. A lot of clients hire my office because they need to drive for work, whether that means driving to and from their workplace, or getting to various job sites for their employment. In other cases, clients have more personalized reasons for wanting to drive, such as caring for a loved one, taking their children to activities, or simply wanting to run errands without the hassle of looking for a ride.
Common Reasons for Denial at a Driver’s License Hearing after a Illinois DUI Revocation
March 24, 2025
In our experience, most cases are winnable with quality preparation. If a person has been denied at a prior hearing, it doesn’t mean that they should feel hopeless or anxious about returning to a hearing in the future. The State has a few common reasons for denial, and those issues can often be overcome at a new hearing with an experienced driver’s license reinstatement attorney. In this video, we discuss the most common pitfalls that can lead to a denial at an Illinois Secretary of State hearing.
Will a Photo Ticket Go On My Illinois Driving Record?
March 18, 2025
In Illinois, a ticket for a moving violation does not generally go on your driving record if it was taken by an automated traffic camera. A photo ticket is against the owner of the car – not the person driving at the time. Many drivers pay the ticket to avoid collections and other consequences. A revoked driver should seek the advice of an experienced Illinois driver’s license attorney before making any legal decisions.
The Differing Roles of Lawyers and Alcohol/Drug Counselors at Hearings
March 17, 2025
Driver’s license hearings are legal proceedings. They invoke criminal, civil, and administrative law. An attorney must have an active law license to represent a party at a revocation hearing. A person may engage in the unauthorized practice of law if they provide legal advice or representation without a license to do so. Unlike lawyers, a drug/alcohol counselor does not typically appear in a hearing room, nor can they question a party during a formal hearing.The role of a drug/alcohol counselor is to provide a clinical opinion, not a legal one. Drug/alcohol counselors often conduct evaluations and perform treatment for driver’s license hearings.
Can I go to another state to get a license if my driver’s license is revoked in Illinois?
March 5, 2025
Generally, the Secretary of State does not allow a revoked driver to attend a hearing while they have a pending ticket. The only exception is when the pending ticket is the reason for the current loss of driving privileges. If a person has a pending ticket, such as a Driving on a Revoked License charge, the case must be closed in court prior to a hearing. A case is “closed” when a finding of guilt or innocence has been made in court. A case is not “pending” if a revoked driver is merely serving their sentence after a guilty finding.
Can a revoked driver attend an Illinois driver’s license hearing with a pending traffic ticket?
March 5, 2025
Generally, the Secretary of State does not allow a revoked driver to attend a hearing while they have a pending ticket. The only exception is when the pending ticket is the reason for the current loss of driving privileges. If a person has a pending ticket, such as a Driving on a Revoked License charge, the case must be closed in court prior to a hearing. A case is “closed” when a finding of guilt or innocence has been made in court. A case is not “pending” if a revoked driver is merely serving their sentence after a guilty finding.
Will a DUI Conviction Revoke my Illinois Driver’s License?
March 3, 2025
Under Illinois law, the Secretary of State is required to revoke a driver’s license when they receive a report of a DUI conviction from a court. Unlike a suspension, an Illinois driver’s license revocation is infinite. To obtain an Illinois driver’s license after a revocation, a person must be proactive. The Secretary will not automatically reinstate a license on the “projected reinstatement eligibility date.” In Illinois, a revoked driver must attend a license reinstatement hearing to demonstrate that they have made sufficient lifestyle changes to safely drive again.
Can the Illinois Secretary of State Overturn a DUI Conviction?
February 25, 2025
In this video, we explain the different functions of the court and the Secretary of State when a driver’s license is being revoked. Both play a part in the revocation process, but their roles are not similar. The court determines if a person is guilty of DUI and may sentence a client to a conviction. Upon receiving notice of a DUI conviction, it is the duty of the Secretary of State to revoke an Illinois driver’s license. The Secretary of State cannot overturn a guilty finding nor can they vacate a DUI conviction.
The Difference Between Illinois Driver’s License Suspensions and Revocations
February 17, 2025
For over twenty years, our Chicago law practice has been representing revoked drivers at Illinois license reinstatement hearings. In this video, we explain the difference between an Illinois driver’s license suspension and revocation. Although many people use these words interchangeably, a suspension and revocation are different in many respects. A driver’s license suspension is a temporary loss of driving privileges – it should have a specific date that it is scheduled to terminate.
The Difference Between Formal & Informal Illinois Driver’s License Reinstatement Hearings
February 15, 2025
In this video, we explain the difference between informal and formal hearings with the Illinois Secretary of State. The reason for a license suspension or revocation determines the type of hearing that is required to request driving privileges. Informal hearings are intended for minor suspensions or revocations, such as having too many traffic tickets in a specific period. Informal hearings are held at many driver’s services locations on a walk-in basis. At an informal hearing, the hearing officer meets with the applicant and their attorney in an office setting.
Can a Person Get an Illinois DUI Without Driving a Vehicle?
February 14, 2025
In this video, our office answers a common question: Can a person get a DUI when they are not driving a vehicle?
Generally, the answer is “Yes.” Under Illinois law, it is unlawful to drive or be in “actual physical control” of any vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
A person does not need to drive or intend to drive to be in “actual physical control” of a vehicle.