License suspensions and revocations in Illinois can be a difficult and frustrating experience, especially if you rely on driving for your independence and freedom. The good news is that there are ways to get your driving privileges back.
In some cases, this may be by simply following a step-by-step procedure with the DMV and the process can be done on your own. However, depending on your specific case, you may need to carry out an informal hearing or a formal hearing to acquire a license reinstatement, and in this case, it will be essential to have a driving license lawyer at your side.
If you or someone you care about has had a suspension of driving privileges, contact our experienced traffic attorneys today. At Dohman Law Group, our skilled traffic attorneys have the expertise to develop a defense strategy to dismiss potential penalties and harsh consequences. Our lawyers can help with the restoration of driving privileges or at least help you gain partial driving privileges. Call our law office today for a free consultation and case evaluation.
Contact DUI Lawyers 24/7 law firm for assistance in license suspensions and revocations in Illinois. Our team of Illinois traffic and DUI attorneys are here to help! Call today at 847-999-7616 for a free consultation!
Reasons for Driver’s License Suspensions and Revocations in Illinois
There are a variety of reasons that your driver's license status could be suspended or revoked in Illinois. Some of these reasons include reckless homicide, DUI, possession of alcohol by a minor, not meeting drug evaluation requirements, having excessive blood alcohol content levels while driving, having many traffic offenses or traffic tickets, or driving on a suspended license.
Reckless Homicide
Reckless homicide is a serious criminal offense in Illinois that can lead to the suspension or revocation of an individual’s driver’s license. A person commits reckless homicide when they unintentionally kill another person while operating a motor vehicle and are found to be driving recklessly at the time of the incident. If convicted, a person will face up to 14 years in prison and may have their driver’s license revoked permanently.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
An alcohol-related offense in Illinois can be a serious offense and require some careful evaluation hoops to jump through before getting your driving privileges back. The Secretary of State will investigate the case, requiring proof of treatment or changes to lifestyle being made in order to possibly waive the license revocation. Difficult questioning, often over an hour long, will go into detail about the arrest and personal history. This questioning is strictly based on the individual's behavior leading up to the previous DUI conviction, as well as what has changed since then.
The aim of all this for the petitioner is to prove that they are no longer at risk of getting another DUI or committing any drug-related crimes. If the Secretary of State team feels confident that nothing further can be done on their part in terms of further changes, or that sufficient improvements have been made since their last offending actions, then reconsideration for a license typically occurs. Otherwise, further action might be necessary before consideration is made once again in granting an updated license.
Having an attorney with experience handling DUI cases is crucial for this matter as they can provide representation throughout the process, offer assistance during questioning, and help you make necessary arrangements in your personal life to demonstrate that you are no longer a driving risk.
Possession of Alcohol by a Minor
In the state of Illinois, possession of alcohol by a minor can result in an automatic suspension or revocation of a driver’s license. The law states that any person under the age of 21 who is found to have any amount of alcohol in their system while driving will have their license automatically suspended. The length of time that an Illinois Driver's License can be suspended or revoked depends on the type and severity of the violation and if there are any subsequent violations.
Drug Evaluation Requirements
Individuals who have had their Illinois driver’s license suspended or revoked due to a drug offense are required to complete a Drug Evaluation in order to have their license reinstated. The evaluation is designed to determine if the individual is likely to benefit from counseling, a remedial education program, community service hours, and/or medical treatment for substance abuse. The purpose of the evaluation of Illinois driver’s license suspensions and revocations is not only to assess the overall safety of those on the road but also to ensure that drivers are abiding by the laws and regulations set forth by the state.
Excessive Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) Level
In the state of Illinois, driving with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) level above the legal limit of 0.08% is considered a serious offense. Those found to be operating a motor vehicle with an excessive BAC level will face severe consequences from the state, including driver’s license suspensions or revocations.
Other Traffic Violations
Traffic violations are one of the leading causes of driver’s license suspensions and revocations in the state of Illinois. Driving offenses can range from minor offenses like speeding or failing to obey a traffic sign, to more serious offenses like reckless driving or driving under the influence.
Depending on the severity of the offense and whether or not this is a first-time offense, you may face fines, community service hours, or even some days in jail. If your driver's license has been suspended or revoked because of traffic violations, hiring an attorney with experience fighting license suspensions will provide you with various options.
Length of License Suspension/Revocation Periods
In the State of Illinois, license suspension and revocation periods vary depending on the offense. The length of time a license is suspended or revoked depends entirely on the severity of the offense that was committed. There are many different lengths of license suspension and revocation periods including:
- 12-Month Periods
- 24-Month Periods
- Indefinite Time Periods
- Reinstatement Considerations
Difference Between License Suspensions and Revocations
It's important to understand the difference between license suspension and revocations because the state of Illinois has strict regulations concerning license suspensions and revocations.
A license suspension is when a driver fails to follow traffic laws and has their license suspended for a specified period of time. This suspension could be for violations such as dangerous driving, receiving too many citations, participating in an accident that was determined to be the fault of the driver, or getting multiple DUIs over a short period of time. Once the duration of the suspension is over, the driver can get their license back if they follow any additional conditions imposed by the court.
On the other hand, if an individual’s license is revoked, it means he or she will no longer have their driving privilege in Illinois unless granted with a reinstatement hearing and approved by a judge. In this case, there is no guarantee of reinstatement, and will likely lose their license for life. Reasons why someone’s license might be revoked include providing false information when obtaining a driver's license and having accumulated too many points on a driver’s record due to repeated violations.
Contact DUI Lawyers 24/7 law firm for assistance in . Our team of Illinois DUI attorneys are here to help! Call today at 847-999-7616 for a free consultation!
How Do I Get My License Back?
Reinstating a license can be complicated and take a considerable amount of time to complete. Depending on the reason for the suspension or revocation, there are different requirements you must fulfill in order to get your license back. In most states, simply paying a reinstatement fee is not enough; you may also need to satisfy other specific requirements made by the court, which can include hours of community service or driver improvement courses. Additionally, the process for reinstating a revoked license requires even more steps and can be lengthier than for suspending one.
In some cases, you may be able to get your license back on your own by following specific steps with the DMV. However, if your driving record is particularly spotty, it may require significant effort before your license is fully reinstated with full privileges. You may need legal help to guide you or represent you in order to get your license back. If this is your case, Dohman Law Group is here to help. Our criminal defense attorneys have experience fighting for you to get your driving privileges back quickly.
Call Dohman Law Group Today for a Free Consultation!
If you have had your Illinois driver's license suspended or revoked, it's important that you take immediate action to protect your rights and get your driving privileges back. A suspension or revocation can cause serious problems in your life - from not being able to get to work on time, to not being able to get the necessities of life.
If you are facing a criminal violation and have had your license suspended or revoked, you may need legal assistance to accompany you through the hearing process in order to ensure that it is a successful hearing. Fortunately, the experienced attorneys at Dohman Law Group are here to help. Contact us today online or us at 847-999-7616 for a free consultation and evaluation of your specific case.