For the majority of Illinois residents, a driver's license is more than just a convenience, it's their livelihood. Even those who have a regular driver's license rely on a motor vehicle to get to and from work. Those who use commercial driver's licenses depend on them even more because if they lose their driving privileges for a period of time, they are not able to work.
There are multiple reasons that your driving privileges might be suspended. Most of them either relate to a serious traffic offense or some sort of criminal case. In this article, you will learn about how license suspension works in the state of Illinois, how to reinstate your driver's license in different cases, tips for maintaining a clean driving record, and how an Illinois license reinstatement attorney can benefit your case.
If you need help through the license reinstatement process contact us today at 708-274-4499.
Is Your License Suspended or Revoked?
Identifying your drivers license status is essential. A suspension in Illinois signifies a temporary halt on your driver's privileges for a definite time or until specific requirements are met. Conversely, a license revocation means your driving rights are terminated indefinitely. Knowing whether you're dealing with a suspension or a loss of license is critical for the next steps.
If you are dealing with a license suspension, then once the period of suspension is complete, be it a 6-month period or a 24-month period, you may be eligible to get your license back. This is why it is imperative to hire an experienced license reinstatement attorney.
Some of the most common reasons for license suspension in Illinois are:
- Reckless driving conviction
- Multiple traffic violations
- Fleeing a police officer
- The influence of alcohol
DUI-Related Suspensions
If it is your first DUI, you will face a minimum one-year revocation. Keep in mind that a DUI is considered a criminal conviction. You may also be required to go through treatment with a licensed alcohol counselor to work through any alcohol abuse issues that you might be dealing with.
With every DUI that you receive, and your criminal history taken after the first, the length of your suspension period will increase, as will the additional consequences like prison time and fines. After receiving multiple DUI charges, you may be required to use a breath alcohol ignition interlock device on your vehicle.
This will ensure that you are unable to start your vehicle without proving that your blood alcohol content is below the legal limit. Alcohol abusers or those with alcohol dependency will need to get serious professional help if they ever want to have a chance of getting their driver's license reinstated in the future.
If you want to start the license reinstatement process, you may be required to complete risk education classes and meet with counselors before they will consider your application for reinstatement. Oftentimes, you will be required to register for an alcohol abuse treatment program and complete hours of alcohol education before you will be granted a new license.
If you choose to attend an ongoing support program like alcoholics anonymous or a different substance abuse program, make sure to document your attendance. This is something that can be used as evidence in your hearing process to demonstrate that you are ready for a valid driver's license again.
Traffic-Related Suspensions
If you receive three or more traffic ticket convictions within a 12-month period in the state of Illinois, you will have an automatic license suspension. If you are under 12 years old, you can have your license suspended with only two traffic convictions.
While traffic-related suspensions are still serious, they typically have a shorter suspension time than DUI-related suspensions and will not have as long of an impact on your driver's license status. The exact time period of suspension will vary depending on your violation, but the minimum period is one month and can go up to several years if you have received multiple suspensions.
It is important to hire a skilled license reinstatement attorney because they might be able to vacate the conviction if it's within 30 days of the original conviction date.
How to Fix a Suspended License
There are multiple steps that need to be taken in order to fix a suspended driver's license. Some of the steps in the drivers license reinstatement process are easier to complete than others. To get back a suspended license in Illinois, the steps include:
Serving the suspension term: For some suspensions, passing the suspension time is all that's needed.
Settlement of a reinstatement fee: Once the suspension is over, it usually requires settling a fee with the Secretary of State (SOS).
Fulfilling certain prerequisites: The suspension's cause might necessitate completing a defensive driving course, drug evaluation, ensuring coverage, or other requirements.
How to Fix a Revoked License
The path to reclaiming a revoked license usually involves more hurdles, including:
Requesting a hearing with the SOS's Department of Administrative Hearings: A pivotal move towards regaining your driving rights.
Completing an assessment: If revocation results from DUI or other grave offenses, an evaluation for alcohol/drug use, and perhaps treatment completion, might be necessary.
Showing proof of Financial Responsibility: This entails submitting an SR-22 form to certify you possess the state-mandated minimum liability coverage.
How Long Does it Take to Reinstate a License in Illinois?
The timeline for license reinstatement can diverge greatly, from weeks to months, based on your case's particulars. Minor offenses might be swiftly dealt with and typically only require informal hearings. This makes them much easier to deal with and there is a higher likelihood that you will get approved in informal hearings.
DUI-related revocations could extend considerably, often demanding multiple hearings and specific rehabilitation engagements. They typically require a formal hearing where you will have to present evidence of having completed an alcohol education class and DUI risk education.
It typically takes around 6 weeks to schedule your hearing. After your hearing, assuming that your reinstatement application has been approved, your suspension should be taken off your driving record within a few business days.
What Happens at a License Reinstatement Hearing?
There are many types of hearings depending on the reason you are attending court. Especially for revoked licenses, the formal reinstatement hearing is a decisive phase. During the actual hearing:
You will argue your case: Showcasing evidence of rehabilitation, legal compliance, and any supplementary documentation.
The hearing officer evaluates your situation: Your driving history, the cause behind the suspension/revocation, and rehabilitation efforts are considered.
A verdict is issued: The officer may grant complete reinstatement after a successful hearing, allocate a limited driving permit, or refuse reinstatement.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Your Driver’s License Reinstated?
In Illinois, license reinstatement fees differ:
A suspended license generally carries a $250 fee for the first occasion and $500 for further instances.
A revoked license, especially for DUI offenses, might incur higher costs, including fees for hearings, substance misuse assessments, and educational sessions.
Do I Need an Attorney to Reinstate my License?
Hiring an experienced lawyer isn't obligatory for reinstatement, but the intricacies of Illinois' driving laws and the legal requirements can be daunting. An experienced attorney can:
Navigate you through the process, advising on essential steps and documentation.
Offer representation at hearings, likely enhancing your chance for a successful outcome.
Counsel on particular challenges, like addressing suspensions from other states that impact your Illinois license.
Taking steps to restore a driver's license in Illinois demands an understanding of your suspension or revocation, meeting certain prerequisites, and possibly attending formal hearings. Due to the procedural and case-based complexities, consulting a professional for legal advice could be instrumental for a seamless and favorable reinstatement journey.
Call our professional license suspension lawyers in Illinois at 708-274-4499 today to schedule your free consultation!