Driving is a privilege that many of us rely on for our daily routines. There are many ways you can loser your license, including too many traffic convictions, illegally passing a school bus, or failing to pay child support.
If you’ve lost your license due to a DUI or another alcohol-related offense, you know how disruptive that can be. The road to reinstatement may seem daunting, but with the right steps, you can navigate the process successfully.
Understanding your suspension
The first step is to understand the specifics of your suspension. In Illinois, the Secretary of State’s office handles driver’s licenses, and they provide detailed reasons for your suspension. Factors that affect your suspension include the severity of the offense, your driving record, and any previous alcohol-related incidents.
Before you can think about reinstatement, you need to fulfill all legal obligations related to your suspension. This likely involves a formal hearing before an administrative judge and attorney from the Secretary of State’s Office, completing a drug and alcohol evaluation, or serving a mandatory suspension period; this may include:
- Attending a remedial or educational program if required
- Paying all fines and court costs
- Serving any jail time or community service as mandated by the court
Once you’ve met your legal requirements, you can apply for reinstatement. The Illinois Secretary of State’s office has specific guidelines and forms you’ll need to fill out.
Staying on track post-reinstatement
After you’ve regained your driving privileges, it’s important to stay on track. Avoiding future offenses is critical, as repeat violations can lead to more severe consequences. However, if you do face another driving infraction or criminal offense, despite your record, you still have many rights. No matter the criminal charge, you are still innocent until proven guilty.
Your attorney can provide considerable resources and guidance to you both during the reinstatement process and in preserving your driving privileges for the future. You are not alone in this journey.