Look out for your license! Though 8.5 million Illinois residents are licensed drivers, thousands of people experience license suspensions or revocations every year.
You should expect issues with your license sooner rather than later. Yet you don’t have to sit by while the state confiscates your license. You can get a reinstated license as long as you know what to do.
What is the license reinstatement process like? Can you get a permit to drive while you have a suspended or revoked license? How can you stay out of legal trouble?
Attend Your Secretary of State Hearings
Your license can get suspended or revoked due to a conviction for a DUI, a serious driving offense, or failure to appear in court. The state can also suspend your license if you fail to make child support payments or if you are a young driver who violates rules for young drivers, such as the Zero Tolerance Law.
However, you are allowed to fight your suspension or revocation in a hearing. You can ask for an informal hearing or formal hearing depending on your situation.
You should schedule a formal hearing if you have faced DUI or serious driving charges, such as leaving the scene of an accident that results in death on multiple occasions.
During a formal hearing, a prosecutor will argue that your license should remain revoked or supended. They will introduce evidence and ask you questions about your life. You should hire a lawyer to handle your case, as it can be difficult to defend yourself alone and this is the legal proceeding.
An informal hearing involves a hearing officer. They will ask questions and look at the evidence you introduce. They can decide whether or not you should receive your license back or a permit to drive.
Take Classes
During your hearing, an officer will consider whether or not you are a threat to public safety under certain cirumstances. An easy way to defend yourself is to show you have taken classes in driving safety.
The Secretary of State has a list of state-approved classes you can take. You can take defensive driving classes, drug and alcohol seminars, and other programs.
You are responsible for paying for these classes. You can schedule them for whenever is most convenient for you. Keep in mind that classes are several hours long and require your full attention.
Apply for a Restricted Driving Permit or Probationary Permit
A restricted driving permit or probationary permit allows you to drive under limited circumstances while your license is suspended or revoked. You can use your permit to get to work, shop for groceries, and attend to essential personal responsibilities if you get a probationary permit.
Receiving a permit and driving lawfully on it can build your case for reinstatement.
You may need to have a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) installed in your car. In order to turn the engine on, you need to blow into the BAIID. You will need to pay for the device.
Your permit maybe revoked if you get BAIID violations or traffic citations, which will hurt your case for reinstatement. Understand what the rules are for your permit and follow them to the letter. You can always call a taxi or use a ride-sharing service to get around.
Stay Out of Trouble
A license reinstatement becomes extremely difficult if you get into legal trouble during the reinstatement process. If you do not have a permit, you should not be driving. Even if you are in an emergency (unless life threatening), you risk getting pulled over and put in jail for driving on a suspended or revoked license.
Ask for rides from your friends, family, and coworkers. You can also use public transportation to get around.
Receive a Reinstated License Today
Legal representatives can advise you of your rights and execute your defense. John M. Quinn & Associates, Ltd. helps Illinois drivers get their licenses. Contact us today.
