Jennifer Wirth-Ice, Managing Attorney

Jennifer Wirth-Ice graduated from John Marshall Law School in 2001. For nearly ten years, she has maintained a private practice that focuses on representing revoked drivers at Secretary of State license reinstatement hearings. Wirth-Ice's concept was to create a boutique law practice that placed client satisfaction as the highest concern. Her values remain the same today. Wirth-Ice prides her success on honesty, accessibility to clients, as well as providing a comprehensive and dedicated defense on every client matter. In 2005, the practice began keeping overall success statistics. Since the inception of the statistical analysis, over 90 percent of our clients have received driving privileges at their first hearing with our office on an annual basis.To schedule a free consultation with Jennifer Wirth-Ice, please call 312.461.0400 or email her directly at jenniferwirth_msn.com.
LICENSE REINSTATEMENT HEARINGS

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Facts and Myths on License Reinstatement

The Law Practice "Client Bill of Rights."

Consultation Questions When Hiring an Attorney

Myths and Facts

MYTHS AND FACTS ABOUT ILLINOIS LICENSE REINSTATEMENT

The Secretary of State reinstatement hearing process is often viewed by Petitioners as an intimidating or confusing process. However, in our experience, it is typically a relatively straightforward proceeding if a client is advised properly and is ultimately prepared for their hearing on the scheduled date. In various consultations, many clients have asked questions that revolve around certain misconceptions or myths. Below, we have discussed several of these concerns in an effort to provide accurate information about the general process of license reinstatement. Every case is unique and a Petitioner should consult with a qualified attorney prior to proceeding with a Secretary of State hearing."REINSTATEMENT ELIGIBILITY" DOES NOT MEAN AUTOMATIC LICENSE REINSTATEMENT. Often, prospective clients contact our office after they have attended a previous hearing without an attorney and have been denied their driving privileges. During the consultation, many people comment that they were surprised by how serious the process was, and, had they know prior to attending the hearing, they would hired an attorney to represent them. It is a very common mistake of revoked drivers to believe that "reinstatement eligibility" means that you will automatically have your drivers license reinstated if you have completed all of the technical requirements to attend a hearing. This is understandable, but not accurate. "Reinstatement Eligibility" simply refers to the first calendar date that a Petitioner is eligible to request full reinstatement of their drivers license at a Secretary of State hearing. THE FIRST HEARING IS NOT AN "AUTOMATIC DENIAL." Although there are no guarantees that you will not be denied at your hearing, you should not be influenced by the commonly circulated myth that the Secretary of State automatically denies applicants when they make their first application for a drivers license following a DUI-related revocation. Many of our clients receive driving relief on their first hearing. The origins of this myth are unclear. Many applicants are poorly advised by friends who have been through this process or by other uninformed sources who claim to have insight about administrative hearing policies and procedures. The important thing to know is that every case is different and that your should consult with an attorney who has experience with Secretary of State hearings to receive accurate advice prior to your first hearing. PETITIONERS SHOULD NOT "GAMBLE" WITH THEIR CHANCES OF SUCCESS. As a result of the "automatic denial" myth, many applicants consider trying their first hearing without an attorney, and then, if they are denied, hiring a qualified attorney for their second hearing. This is a self-defeating tactic since the Secretary of State retains records of your statements and the documents that you submitted at the first hearing. At the second hearing, applicants may encounter creating credibility issues if they attempt to correct any inaccuracies or document errors that existed from the first hearing. It is always best to start the hearing process with a strong foundation. When attending your first hearing, you should have trained legal counsel review your documents to ensure that they meet Secretary of State standards to avoid being haunted by any errors in your initial evaluation or treatment records at future hearings. Although you will have the opportunity to address the reasons for denial at your second hearing, it is always best to avoid these problems by ensuring that your records and testimony are accurate from the start. THE SECRETARY OF STATE DOES NOT TYPICALLY RELITIGATE GUILT OR INNOCENCE ON YOUR PRIOR DUIS AT THE HEARING. Whether or not you are guilty or innocent of a DUI charge is determined in the court system. If you have plead guilty, or been found guilty of a past DUI in court, the Secretary of State will lend great credibility to that decision. The focus of your Secretary of State hearing is to determine whether or not you have met your burden to be given driving privileges, not to relitigate the DUI charge that caused the revocation. Our office has long-term experience in representing revoked drivers at license reinstatement hearings. Please do not hesitate to contact us for a free consultation relating to your license revocation. You can reach our office via telephone at 312.461.0400 or via email Jennifer Wirth directly at jenniferwirth_msn.com.The information contained on this website is not to be used or construed as legal advice. The applicable law may vary, depending upon the specific facts of your case. Please consult with an attorney to determine the law that is applicable to your legal matter.

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CONSULTATION QUESTIONS

1. "WHAT IS YOUR PRIMARY AREA OF PRACTICE?" Every client should understand the level of experience and skill that their attorney has with representing revoked drivers at license reinstatement proceedings. The attorney must be familiar with the administrative rules that govern the hearing process in order to ensure that the documentation they intend to present at the hearing meets Secretary of State standards The attorney should also have a basic understanding of alcohol/drug treatment concepts to ensure that the evaluation and treatment documents are internally consistent and do not contain typographical errors that will damage a client at a hearing. 2. "HOW DO YOU CHARGE FOR YOUR SERVICES?" A client should understand the details of the fee arrangement for the legal services prior to retaining an attorney so that they do not encounter unexpected costs once the representation has commenced. A client should also understand if they are entitled to any refund of the fee if they choose to terminate the attorney once they have begun work on the case. 3. "WHAT SPECIFIC SERVICES WILL YOU PROVIDE TO ME IF I RETAIN YOUR OFFICE?" Prior to retaining an attorney, a client should be clear on the purpose and scope of the representation. A client needs to determine what is included in the cost of the representation to ensure that they are receiving all of the services they expect from their attorney. When consulting with an attorney for representation at a license reinstatement hearing, the client should gather as much information about the services to be provided for the cost. Basic questions include: 1. "Will you request my Secretary of State file?" 2. "Will you obtain my DUI arrest information?" 3. "Will you assist me in obtaining my treatment documents from my provider?" 4. "Will you file the request for my hearing? If so, is the filing fee included in my cost?" 5. "Will you review my treatment documents and drug/alcohol evaluation prior to the hearing date?" 6. "Will you review any letters that I would like to submit at my hearing?" 7. "Will I meet with you prior to the hearing date? If so, how often will we meet?" 8. "Do you charge additional fees for phone calls and/or office meetings?" 9. "Will you be personally be present on my hearing date?" 10. "Does my fee include additional hearings if I am denied driving privileges at this hearing?" Although these questions are not exhaustive, they provide a good framework for learning information about the legal services to be provided in exchange for the requested fees. Prior to attending any consultation, clients should also draft a list of questions to ask the attorney during the meeting that are specific to their case. 4. "WHAT ARE YOUR OFFICE HOURS?" Depending on the client's schedule, it may be important that the attorney is not limited to conventional office hours. The client should ask about the attorney's regular office hours, whether the attorney offers evening or weekend appointments, and how to contact the attorney in the event of an emergency outside of regular business hours. 5. "ASIDE FROM YOUR LEGAL FEES, WHAT TYPE OF EXTERNAL COSTS CAN I EXPECT DURING MY CASE?" Aside from the attorney's fees, there may be external costs of the representation that the client will want to include in their budgeting process. The best resource to ask is the attorney handling your case. Clients should be informed of potential filing fees, administrative costs, drug/alcohol treatment fees, and potential court fines so that they can plan for the expense. 6. "ARE YOU LISTENING TO ME?" During the consultation, any client should internally ask whether or not the attorney appears to be genuinely interested in their legal concerns. After consulting with an attorney, the client should have a greater understanding of the law that applies to their case and have a clear view of their legal options. It is important that every client feel confident that their attorney will be actively engaged in protecting their legal interests.

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CLIENT BILL OF RIGHTS

The founding philosophy of our practice was to create a law office that focused on providing exceptional client service while representing their interests at Illinois License Reinstatement Hearings. From the beginning, we have sought to achieve client satisfaction by making a commitment to every client that they will receive prompt, quality service. Here are the specific promises we make to every client of our office: 1. WE WILL PROMPTLY RESPOND TO YOUR TELEPHONE CALLS. It is office policy that any client phone call received during business hours will be returned on the same business day. Any phone call received outside of regular business hours will be returned by the end of the following business day. Every client can call or text their attorney outside normal business hours in the event of an emergency.2. WE WILL REMAIN IN FREQUENT CONTACT WITH EVERY CLIENT REGARDING THE STATUS OF THEIR CASE. At every stage of a client matter, our client is informed of the status of their case and is given an explanation of what we are doing to defend their case. If any events occur in the client's matter, the client is informed on the same business day that we learn of the development. 3. WE WILL NOT UNNECESSARILY DELAY YOUR CASE. Throughout the duration of the client's case, our office will work diligently to ensure that you are effectively represented in a timely manner. 4. WE DO NOT EMPLOY COVERAGE ATTORNEYS. Throughout your case, all matters in your case will be dealt with by the same attorney that you met with during your initial consultation. 5. WE CHARGE FLAT RATES FOR YOUR ENTIRE CASE. During your consultation appointment, you will be informed of the flat rate that we will charge for our legal services on your entire case. There are no additional, unexpected legal fees during the representation. We also accept Visa and Mastercard for client convenience. 6. WE FOCUS ON QUALITY, NOT QUANTITY. We do not run a "high volume" practice. It is our strong belief that every client should receive personal, prompt, and quality service from their attorney. To do so, we restrict the volume of our clients to ensure that every client we represent receives this standard of service. 7. WE THOROUGHLY EXPLAIN TO EACH CLIENT EVERY ASPECT OF THEIR CASE. We believe that a client cannot make informed decisions about their case unless if the legal issues and options in their case are explained to them in straightforward terms. We are happy to take as much time as is necessary for the client to understand all aspects of their case. 8. WE PROMISE TO BE HONEST WITH EVERY CLIENT ABOUT THEIR CASE. When speaking with your attorney, you will be given honest answers at all times. 9. WE BELIEVE THAT IT IS IMPORTANT TO LISTEN TO EVERY CLIENT. Clients are a very good resource in developing defenses and identifying legal issues because they usually have firsthand knowledge of facts that led the case. We promise to listen to every client's concerns and comments so that we can provide the most effective representation in their case. 10. WE PROMISE TO TREAT EVERY CLIENT WITH RESPECT AND DIGNITY. Every client is treated with respect and dignity throughout our representation. It is basic to providing an effective defense that every client feel comfortable discussing their case with their attorney. We believe that a good working relationship cannot exist without mutual respect.

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RESOURCES FOR REVOKED DRIVERS DUI Revocation

RESOURCES FOR REVOKED DRIVERS.

ALCOHOL/DRUG EVALUATORS AND TREATMENT PROVIDERS. In order to attend a Secretary of State hearing, a Petitioner will need to present a drug/alcohol evaluation that has been completed within the past six months, a treatment needs assessment and documentation of treatment (or a treatment waiver, if applicable.) These are the minimum requirements. Some Petitioners may require additional documentation to proceed with their hearing, including, but not limited to, a Response to Denial if there has been a prior hearing that resulted in denial of driving privileges. In order to obtain the required documentation, a Petitioner can find a licensed evaluator and/or treatment provider via the Department of Alcohol and Substance Abuse in Illinois. Our office recommends the following providers in the event that a referral is requested:Compass Development. (Contact: Dawn Valdes)3077 West Jefferson Street, Suite 102Joliet, IL 60435Phone: (815) 729-9723About Change Counseling. (Contact: Bernice McKenna)118 Barrington Commons CourtBarrington, IL 60010-3297Phone: (847) 209-6293NATIONAL SAFETY COUNCIL TRAFFIC SAFETY SCHOOL COURSE. Prior to a hearing, some Petitioners may decide to participate in a Traffic Safety School Course and submit proof of completion at their hearing. To enroll in a traffic safety school course, the National Safety Council can be located on the internet at www.nsc.org.SECRETARY OF STATE RESOURCES IN ILLINOIS. The Illinois Secretary of State offers formal hearings at four locations within the state: Chicago, Joliet, Mount Vernon and Springfield. To contact the Secretary of State relating to questions about the administrative hearing process, they can be reached at 312.793.4964.Our office also provides free consultations to revoked drivers who are considering attending a hearing with the Secretary of State. If you would like to schedule a free consultation, please contact us at 312.461.0400 or email Jennifer Wirth-Ice at jenniferwirth_msn.com.The information on this site is not to be used or construed as legal advice. The applicable law may vary depending on the facts of your case. You should consult with an attorney to determine the relevant law that is applicable to your specific legal matter.
CONTACT
Illinois DUI

You can also email us directly at jenniferwirth_msn.com

53 WEST JACKSON, SUITE 709, CHICAGO, IL 60604 I PHONE: 312.461.0400 I EMAIL: JENNIFERWIRTH_MSN.COM

53 WEST JACKSON, SUITE 709CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60604 Legal Defense for Revoked Illinois Drivers at Secretary of State Reinstatement HearingsPHONE: 312.461.0400FAX: 708.433.0322jenniferwirth_msn.comJennifer Wirth is licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois. Copyright 2011

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