Informal and Formal Driver License Reinstatement Hearings in Illinois

 Posted on January 31, 2019 in Uncategorized

Contrary to what some people believe, driving is a privilege, not a right. This means that the state that issued your driver’s license has the right to take it away if necessary. There are many situations that can cause you to lose your license in Illinois, but one of the most common reasons people lose their license is as the result of DUI. If your license has been suspended or revoked due to a DUI charge, you have to attend an administrative hearing conducted by the Office of the Illinois Secretary of State to reinstate your driver’s license. These hearings can be formal or informal, but your specific circumstances will determine which type of hearing you must attend.

Informal Hearing

An informal hearing is obviously the more relaxed of the two and the preferential choice when it comes to driver’s license reinstatements, but only certain people are eligible for informal hearings. You can only attend an informal hearing to reinstate your driving privileges if:

• Your DUI charge did not involve a fatality;
• You have only one DUI offense against you; or
• Your license was suspended because of a minor traffic violation.

These kinds of hearings are held on an informal basis, meaning you do not need an appointment to attend your hearing, you just need to show up at an Illinois Driver Services location.

Formal Hearing

If you do not qualify for an informal hearing, you will need to attend a formal hearing. Formal hearings are required if:

• Your DUI charge involved a fatality;
• You have had multiple DUI dispositions; or
• You were charged with a serious traffic offense.

Unlike informal hearings, you must submit a request for a formal hearing and a $50 filing fee before you will be given a hearing date. Formal hearings are also only held in Springfield, Chicago, Mt. Vernon and Joliet. In order to be prepared for your hearing, you must have a copy of your Alcohol/Drug Evaluation Uniform Report, which classifies you into a risk category based on a number of factors. Your classification level will determine what additional requirements you must meet in order to be considered for driver’s license reinstatement.

An Experienced Will County Driver’s License Reinstatement Attorney Can Help

Everyone needs to drive. While driving is a privilege that can be taken away, your life will probably become very difficult if you are not allowed to drive. If you have had your driver’s license suspended or revoked because of a DUI or other charges, you should contact a Joliet driver’s license reinstatement lawyer immediately. The Law Offices of Jack L. Zaremba, P.C. can help you reinstate your driving privileges and get you back behind the wheel. To schedule a free consultation, call the office at 815-740-4025">815-740-4025.