Wirth Law: Chicago Driver’s License Reinstatement Lawyer

Our Office Handles Many Types of License Reinstatement Hearings.

When an Illinois license is suspended or revoked, the Secretary of State may require a formal or informal hearing. The reason for the revocation generally determines what type of hearing is appropriate.

Formal Hearings.  Our office regularly represents revoked drivers at formal hearings to request a driving permit or licensing reinstatement, depending on eligibility. A formal hearing is generally a forum for more serious matters, such as DUI revocations and reckless homicide cases. A formal hearing is like a trial; the proceedings are recorded, and witnesses testify under oath. The participants in a formal hearing usually consist of a hearing officer, an attorney for the Secretary of State, the petitioner, and the petitioner’s license reinstatement attorney.

Informal Hearings. Our Chicago drivers license reinstatement practice also represents revoked drivers at informal hearings to request driving privileges. An informal hearing addresses many types of suspensions and revocations, such as possession of a false identification card, fleeing and eluding the police, and having too many traffic tickets in a year. Informal hearings consist of an office meeting with a hearing officer, and they are held on a walk-in basis at many driver’s services facilities. During the hearing, the informal hearing officer asks several questions and records the responses in writing. A final decision is mailed to the petitioner and their driver’s license reinstatement lawyer after the hearing.

Out-of-State Clearance Packets. Our office handles hearings for out-of-state residents that have an Illinois suspension or revocation that prevents them from obtaining a license in their home state. We also work with out-of-state clients who wish to travel to Illinois for an in-person hearing to avoid a longer waiting period for a decision. An out-of-state resident should enlist a driver’s license attorney to help them navigate the Illinois driver’s license reinstatement process after an Illinois revocation.  

We Handle Driver’s License Suspensions and Revocations

A person may lose their driver’s license by having it suspended, revoked, or cancelled by the Illinois Secretary of State. A driver’s license attorney can determine the proper type of hearing, as well as build the overall case to help a suspended or revoked driver regain driving privileges.

Driver’s License Revocation. Our office regularly handles driver’s license revocations. A revocation occurs when driving privileges are taken away for an infinite period, requiring the revoked driver to proactively do something to obtain licensing again.

In Illinois, a revoked driver typically needs to attend a successful hearing with the Secretary of State to obtain driving privileges again. The Secretary decides whether to grant a driving permit or full reinstatement, depending on eligibility. A revocation can be entered for many reasons, such as DUI conviction(s), reckless homicide, or leaving the scene of a traffic accident that involved death or personal injury.

Driver’s License Suspension.  Our law practice also handles driver’s license suspensions. Unlike a revocation, an Illinois driver’s license suspension is for a specific period. At the end of the term, a suspended driver should automatically regain driving privileges so long as they have completed the requirements for reinstatement, such as payment of reinstatement fees.

During a suspension, a person may need to drive for work or other reasons. A driver’s licensing lawyer can help a suspended driver determine if they are eligible for a hardship permit during their suspension. There are many reasons for suspension, such as possessing a false identification card, receiving too many traffic tickets in a year, or having a statutory summary suspension from a DUI arrest.

Types of Relief: Getting Back on the Road After a Revocation.

The Secretary of State has various forms of driving relief, including probationary permits, hardship permits, full reinstatement, and out-of-state clearance. An experienced Chicago driver’s license reinstatement attorney can accurately advise a client on their eligibility for specific driving privileges. A summary of the major forms of driving relief are as follows:

1. Probationary Permits. In 2021, the Secretary of State introduced a new type of permit, referred to as a “probationary permit” or “lawful purpose permit.” Unlike work or school permits, a probationary permit does not monitor the reason a person is driving. Rather, a probationary permit allows a person with a revoked license to drive for any “lawful purpose,” such as running errands, visiting friends, or driving for work.
   • If the Secretary issues a probationary permit, the permit is subject to certain limitations while driving. A probationary permit is typically granted for up to 12 hours a day and six days a week. The permit holder can generally drive within a 200-mile radius of their home during the specified days and hours.  
   • If a revoked driver needs more hours, days, or mileage for their employment, they can request extended hours or mileage. In this scenario, a petitioner typically submits an employment letter at their hearing to explain why their job requires additional driving beyond the hours, days, or mileage allowed by a basic probationary permit.
   • If the Secretary grants extended hours, the permit holder can still obtain a probationary permit to drive for any lawful purpose, such as leisure pursuits, up to 12 hours a day, six days a week, within a 200-mile radius of their residence. However, the probationary permit will limit any additional hours, days or mileage to work purposes only. The work extension accommodates revoked drivers that have jobs with rotating shifts, as well as persons who may need to be available for work emergencies or who are required to be on-call for an employer.    
2. Hardship Permits. A revoked driver may qualify for a hardship permit if they are not eligible to request a probationary permit or full reinstatement. When granted, a hardship permit is limited to a specific purpose, such as work. The permit is only given for days, hours, and mileage that are necessary to accomplish the limited purpose of the permit.
   • Our office helps revoked drivers who need to attend a hearing to request a hardship permit. At the hearing, the petitioner must show that reasonable alternative transportation is not available, that public safety will not be endangered by the issuance of a permit, and that an undue hardship will result if a restricted permit is not issued.
   • Prior to hearing, a license reinstatement attorney should review the driving needs of their client in detail to build a strong hardship case. The Secretary will not issue a hardship permit if a client shows that they are simply inconvenienced by their license revocation. It is the job of the petitioner and their driver’s license attorney to present a winning case for hardship.
3. Full Reinstatement. The Secretary of State may issue full reinstatement of a revoked driver’s license after a successful hearing. However, it is important to note that the Secretary may require a permit prior to full reinstatement. There are many factors that determine whether the Secretary of State issues a permit or full reinstatement, including, but not limited to, the seriousness of the driving offenses, the number of offenses, and whether a person is eligible for full reinstatement.
4. Full Clearance of Licensing Hold for Out-of-State Resident. Many out-of-state drivers are looking for an Illinois license reinstatement attorney to obtain “full clearance” of an Illinois hold on their out-of-state driving privileges. Our office regularly helps eligible out-of-state drivers clear a revocation from their Illinois record.
   • It should be noted that the term, “full clearance,” is not a separate category of driving relief. Instead, clearance is a form of full reinstatement. An out-of-state resident can request that Illinois “clear” their licensing hold by issuing full reinstatement.
   • If full reinstatement is granted to an out-of-state resident, the Secretary anticipates that the out-of-state resident will apply for a license in their home state, rather than Illinois. It is critical that an out-of-state resident talk with their licensing attorney to determine if a revocation can be reimposed if they later become an Illinois resident.  

Our Philosophy: Client Service is a Top Priority.

With over 20 years of experience as a Chicago driver’s license reinstatement lawyer, Jennifer Wirth has won many awards for exceptional client service. Her practice was built on the belief that all clients should be treated with dignity and care, and that their legal matter should be addressed promptly and thoroughly.

A driver’s license lawyer should be a source of information and guidance through the hearing process. We approach each client with a positive attitude and collaborate with them frequently to help them prepare for their hearing. All clients receive detailed status updates about their case, and we welcome questions throughout our representation.

Our license reinstatement practice provides free consultations to suspended and revoked Illinois drivers. Please do not hesitate to reach out to schedule a free consultation by calling (312) 761-8290 or reaching out to us directly at jennifer@wirthlaw.org.