How to Prepare for Your Driver’s License Reinstatement Hearing

 Posted on October 11, 2021 in License Reinstatement

In Illinois, an individual’s driver’s license can be suspended or revoked for driving under the influence of alcohol DUI), receiving several driving violations, failure to pay toll road fees, and even failure to pay child support. If an individual’s license is revoked, the only way to reinstate the license and recover the ability to drive is to meet certain eligibility requirements and attend a Secretary of State (SOS) driver’s license reinstatement hearing.

Informal Driver’s License Reinstatement Hearings

There are two types of license reinstatement hearings in Illinois. If you lost your license due to a first-time DUI or moving violation, you will probably be eligible for an informal reinstatement hearing.  Informal hearings are conducted at an SOS Driver Services facility. Unlike a formal driver’s license reinstatement hearing, most informal hearings are conducted on a walk-in basis. However, this does not mean that you should walk into an informal hearing unprepared.

Before you go to the hearing, make sure you understand exactly what is expected of you. Depending on the results of your drug and alcohol risk evaluation, you may need to complete DUI risk education classes or complete a substance abuse program to reclaim your driving privileges.

Show up to the hearing with enough time to wait. Dress appropriately and remain respectful. The hearing officer will interview you about what led to the driver’s license revocation and how you plan to avoid reoffending.

Formal Driver’s License Reinstatement Hearings

If you have more than one DUI on your record or you are accused of causing a traffic accident that resulted in death, you will need to attend a formal driver’s license reinstatement hearing. These hearings are by appointment only. They are held at one of four Secretary of State offices. You will be expected to provide evidence of the steps you have taken to avoid unsafe driving in the future including participating in DUI education classes or support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous.

Formal reinstatement hearings are like a courtroom trial. An attorney for the Secretary of State and a hearing officer will place you under oath and ask you questions. The evidence and answers you provide will determine if you recover your driving privileges.

Make sure to show up on time for your hearing, dress appropriately, and conduct yourself in a professional, respectful manner. Practice the answers to common reinstatement hearing questions in advance so you know what you will say.

Contact a Naperville Driver’s License Reinstatement Lawyer

If your driver’s license was revoked or suspended due to a traffic offense, DUI, or another violation, contact Law Office of Patricia Magaña, LLC for help reestablishing your driving privileges. Call our skilled Aurora driver’s license reinstatement attorneys at 630-448-2001. Set up a free, confidential consultation today.

Sources:

https://www.ilsos.gov/departments/drivers/drivers_license/dlreinstatement.html