Secretary of State Hearing Requirements

Hearing License Requirements in Joliet, IL

In order to "sit" for a hearing with the Secretary of State, there are a set of minimum requirements that must be met. These requirements can change slightly depending on whether you are eligible for the full reinstatement of your driver's license. You also may be required to show undue hardship in order to get a restricted driving permit. All drivers are required at a minimum to provide the following:

• A drug/alcohol evaluation
• Completion of all treatment recommendations (aftercare requires a status report)
  • 10 hours of risk education – Minimal Risk
  • 12 hours of early intervention – Moderate Risk
  • 20-75 hours of treatment – Level IIS to Level III

If you have been classified as an alcohol dependent, there are additional requirements:

• No drug or alcohol use for a minimum of 12 months prior to your hearing
• Participation in Alcoholics Anonymous or another approved non-traditional support program

I Have Received a Restricted Driving Permit (RDP) – Now What?

Once you have successfully obtained your permit, you must jump through some additional hoops before you can drive:

• Provide proof of financial responsibility
• Pay the restricted driving permit fee
• Take your driver's exam
• Pay for and install a breath alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID) in your car

Once you are granted full reinstatement, you still must provide proof of financial responsibility (insurance), take the driver's test again, and pay the required reinstatement fee.

Just Showing Up for Your Hearing Is Not Enough

Do not just show up for a license reinstatement hearing thinking that you will be able to answer a few questions and get your license back. Your hearing will be audio recorded, and detailed notes by the hearing officer will be taken. Appearing at these hearings without a qualified Joliet license reinstatement lawyer can lead to devastating consequences. Your off-the-cuff remarks or answers that may be incorrect may result in the denial of your reinstatement request. This will not only require you to go through the process again, but you will be required to pay for a response to the denial and an updated evaluation, and additional classes may sometimes be required. Completing the license reinstatement process correctly the first time can save you time and money. We can help make sure you will be fully prepared for your hearing and meet all the requirements to have your license reinstated.

I Have Been Denied – Now what?

Do not delay in contacting our office if your request to reinstate your driving privileges has been denied. We have helped clients who have been denied multiple times by the Secretary of State obtain their driving privileges. We will work with your evaluator on the denial letter you received and ensure that all of the issues are addressed prior to returning for a new hearing. We will sit down with you in advance and cover all the questions that will be asked of you. An experienced Joliet license reinstatement attorney can be the difference between receiving a permit and a denial.

Contact Our Will County License Reinstatement Hearing Attorney

As a Joliet license reinstatement lawyer, Attorney Jack Zaremba is local to the community and the hearing office. We have dedicated our practice to helping people just like you get back on the road. Even if you have been denied, we can help. We have worked with numerous clients to obtain their driving privileges again. Contact us today at 815-740-4025 for a free consultation. We will work to get you back on the road quickly.