How Does My Risk Classification Affect Driver’s License Reinstatement?

 Posted on February 15, 2022 in License Reinstatement

In Illinois, drivers can lose their licenses for several different reasons. One of the most common reasons for driver’s license suspension or revocation is driving under the influence (DUI). Once your license is suspended or revoked, it becomes a criminal offense to drive any motor vehicle.

A driver’s license suspension eventually ends, and the driver can get back on the road legally. However, getting your driving privileges back after a revocation requires additional steps. You will need to attend either an informal or formal driver’s license reinstatement hearing with a representative from the Illinois Secretary of State (SOS) and demonstrate that you have taken the required steps. The steps you are required to take are largely based on your risk classification.  

Drug and Alcohol Evaluation and Risk Classification

After a DUI arrest, the driver is required to undergo a drug and alcohol evaluation. The purpose of this evaluation is to determine whether the driver has an alcohol or drug addiction and if so, how severe the problem is. The results of this evaluation will be used to classify the driver in one of five main risk categories:

• Minimal risk – Individuals classified as minimal risk have no charges or convictions for drunk driving or reckless driving, a BAC of less than 0.15 percent at the time of the accident, and a sufficiently low number of substance abuse symptoms. Those classified as minimal risk will likely qualify for an informal driver’s license reinstatement hearing. Minimal risk license reinstatement candidates are required to complete ten hours of DUI Risk Education.

• Moderate risk – Drivers with no previous convictions for DUI, statutory summary suspensions, or reckless driving convictions, and a BAC of .15 percent – 0.19 percent may qualify as moderate risk. If you are in the moderate risk category you will need to complete the 10 hours of DUI risk education and 12 hours of early intervention.

• Significant risk – If your BAC was over 0.20 percent at the time of the DUI arrest or you have many signs of substance abuse, you may be classified in the significant risk category. Individuals classified as significant risk must complete 20 hours of alcohol treatment and may also be required to attend continuing care services.

• High-risk non-dependent – If you have been arrested for DUI three times or more in the past 10 years you may be classified as high risk and required to complete 75 hours of drug/alcohol treatment.

• High-risk dependent – These individuals have many symptoms indicative of a substance abuse problem. They must complete at least 75 hours of drug/alcohol treatment and participate in all recommended continuing care activities. Some people classified as high risk are required to attend an inpatient drug/alcohol treatment program.

Contact an Aurora Driver’s License Reinstatement Lawyer for Help

If you lost your license due to drunk driving charges, you may be able to get full or partial driving privileges reinstated. Naperville DUI attorney Patricia Magaña can help. Call 630-448-2001 for a free consultation.

Source:

https://www.ilsos.gov/departments/administrative_hearings/adhearings.html