Kopp Law, Est. 2014, Defending Your Future

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Kopp Law Est. 2014 Defending Your Future
630-749-2919
John Randal Kopp

Defending Your Rights, Protecting Your Future

We Help You Reinstate Your Driver’s License

You can lose your driver’s license for a variety of reasons, including drunk driving, too many traffic violations and failure to pay child support. The path to reinstating your license in Illinois often involves fees and formal court hearings, depending on how you lost your license in the first place.

At Kopp Law, we often hear from people who have tried to go through the reinstatement process with the Office of the Secretary of State on their own, only to find they are not ready for the formal hearing. Many people have their petitions denied because they don’t understand exactly how the reinstatement process works. We do. And we will make sure you are prepared for the formal hearing and all aspects of the process.

Be Prepared For Your Hearing

If your driver’s license was revoked after a DUI, do you remember exactly how many drinks you had that night years ago? This is the type of detail you may be expected to recall exactly at your hearing – and these details can determine whether your petition fails or succeeds. Working with a lawyer can help you ensure that these details are consistent.

Attorney John Kopp knows the driver’s license reinstatement process inside and out, and he can help you prepare for your hearing. Learn what questions you can expect to be asked and why.

Formal And Informal Hearings To Reinstate Your Illinois Driver’s License

Illinois requires people to attend a hearing before reinstating their driver’s license. Depending on the reason for the suspension/revocation, you will have an informal or formal hearing.

Informal hearings cover one DUI offense or penalties for less serious moving violations, as long as there were no fatal accidents involved. You can get an informal hearing on a walk-in basis at many locations. See the Illinois Secretary of State website at ilsos.gov.

Formal hearings are for people who have more than one DUI offense or who have caused a death. Your formal hearing will be led by an officer, who will hear testimony and evidence. Witnesses may testify. You will receive a final decision within 90 days of your hearing. More information is available at the Secretary of State website link above.

To get your license back, you must, at a minimum, do the following:

  • Show that you understand the state’s concerns and that you will be a responsible driver
  • Adhere to the requirements for alcohol or drug use if your offense was related to drunk or drugged driving
  • Have no pending tickets in any court
  • Complete the suspension/revocation period and maintain a restricted driving permit (RDP) successfully at least 75% of the time

The Need For Alcohol And Drug Evaluations

You must have a current alcohol/drug evaluation before you can get a hearing. The levels of classification are:

Minimal: You must prove you have fulfilled the requirements for the DUI Risk Education Course.

Moderate: You must successfully complete the DUI Risk Education Course and Early Intervention Program.

Significant: You must successfully complete the DUI Risk Education Course and all substance abuse treatment recommended to you.

High-Risk – Dependent: You have to prove you have completed substance abuse treatment and have started a support/recovery program.

High-Risk – Nondependent: You must prove you have completed substance abuse treatment and provide three or more letters from friends or family detailing your use of drugs/alcohol. You must also provide a report from your treatment counselor noting why you were not classified as dependent, as well as why you had three or more DUI offenses.

Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) Requirements

You will need to have a BAIID installed on your vehicle after a DUI conviction. If this is your first DUI, you may get a Monitoring Device Driving Permit. If you have previous DUIs, you must install a BAIID on all of your vehicles.

Installation has to happen within two weeks of getting your permit to drive with the BAIID. You must adhere to the monitoring requirements of taking in the vehicle within the first 30 days and then every 60 days after the initial visit.

How To Qualify For A Hardship License In Illinois

A restricted driving permit may be possible if you meet the requirements and demonstrate that being without a driver’s license causes significant hardship. You must attend an informal or formal hearing (depending on your circumstances) and will receive a decision by email or in the mail within 90 days of this hearing. The potential outcomes are reinstatement, an RDP or a denial.

The cost of reinstatement ranges from $70 to $500.

Don’t Risk A Denial: Get Help Reinstating Your License Today

Before you petition the secretary of state to reinstate your license, give us a call at 630-749-2919 or contact us online for a consultation. You can meet our attorney at our Geneva office or at a meeting space in Chicago or the northern, western or southern suburbs.

Have your driving abstract or driving record available when you call us. We will review your record to find out all the reasons the Secretary of State suspended or revoked your license and help you decide whether you need an informal or formal hearing.