Kane County Driver’s License Reinstatement Attorney

For over twenty years, Wirth Law has focused exclusively on Illinois driver’s license reinstatement and DUI defense. With a win rate of over 95 percent on first-time hearings with our office, our firm has helped many revoked drivers throughout Kane County restore their driving privileges through the Illinois Secretary of State hearing process.

Our firm represents drivers from Aurora, Elgin, St. Charles, Geneva, Batavia, and other surrounding cities. With offices in both downtown Naperville and the Chicago Loop, our firm is easily accessible to Kane County residents. We also offer phone and virtual consultations for convenience. Whether a case involves a first-time request for driving privileges, or follows a prior hearing denial, our firm is dedicated to providing high-quality, strategic representation.

Award-Winning Advocacy for Driver’s License Reinstatement

Managing Attorney Jennifer Wirth has received numerous awards for her work in DUI defense and license reinstatement law. She has been consistently rated a perfect 10 on Avvo and Justia, two independent attorney ranking platforms. Her work has been recognized by Expertise as one of the Best DUI Lawyers in Chicago for 2024. Jennifer Wirth has also been honored as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Illinois for DUI, and she regularly earns the annual Avvo Client’s Choice Award and Martindale-Hubbell Client Champion Award.

Wirth Law maintains a success rate of over 95 percent at first-time Secretary of State hearings for clients who complete preparation through our office. Her firm works with both Illinois residents and out-of-state clients who face an Illinois hold preventing issuance of a driver’s license in their home state.

A Clear Process with Skilled Guidance

When an Illinois driver’s license is revoked for DUI, an individual must attend a successful hearing with the Secretary of State to request a permit or license reinstatement. Our office guides clients through every step of the reinstatement process to ensure the best possible outcome. In the following sections, we provide an overview of how our office assists with the license reinstatement after a suspension or revocation.

Step 1: Understanding the Reason for Revocation

One of the most common reasons for driver’s license revocation in Illinois is DUI. However, there are many other reasons for suspension or revocation, such as reckless homicide, possession of a fake ID, or simply having too many traffic tickets in a specific period. During our initial consultation, we determine the reason for revocation and the type of hearing that is required to request driving privileges.

A formal hearing is required for serious revocations, including DUI, reckless homicide, or incidents involving personal injury or death. Less serious matters may be resolved through informal hearings, which are held on a walk-in basis at driver services facilities. Most cases involving DUI convictions are addressed through formal hearings.

A formal hearing is conducted in a courtroom-like setting. Testimony is given under oath, and the process is overseen by a Secretary of State hearing officer. The State is represented by an attorney, and the petitioner is typically represented by a driver’s license reinstatement attorney.

Step 2: Determining Eligibility for Driving Relief

Many individuals mistakenly assume they must wait until their projected reinstatement eligibility date to attend a hearing. In many instances, a restricted driving permit may be available before full reinstatement eligibility. During a consultation, our office determines when a person is eligible for driving privileges again, as well as the type of relief that may be available to them at a hearing.

Step 3: Requesting Records and Evidence from the Secretary of State

Good preparation requires a complete understanding of the State’s evidence. Once retained in case, our office requests all the evidence from the State, including the following items, as applicable:

• Court purposes driving abstract
• Sworn DUI reports
• Reports on out-of-state DUI arrests
• Prior hearing transcripts and decisions
• Out-of-state packets
• BAIID interlock device records (if applicable)

Reviewing this material allows for proper preparation of evidence and testimony, while also avoiding inconsistencies or surprises at a hearing.

Step 4: Reviewing a Drug and Alcohol Evaluation and Treatment Records.

Before a formal license reinstatement hearing, a DUI offender must complete a current drug and alcohol evaluation with a licensed Illinois provider. This evaluation, which must be dated within the past six months, assigns the individual to one of the following risk levels based on factors such as prior offenses, blood alcohol content, and any indications of a substance use disorder:

• Minimal Risk
• Moderate Risk
• Significant Risk
• High Risk (Non-Dependent or Dependent)

Each risk level requires completion of a specific minimum intervention program:

• Minimal Risk: 10 hours of DUI Risk Education
• Moderate Risk: 10 hours of DUI Risk Education and 12 hours of Early Intervention
• Significant Risk: 10 hours of Risk Education, 20 hours of treatment, and completion of aftercare or appropriate waiver documentation
• High Risk: 75 hours of treatment and completion of continuing care or documentation of waiver

As part of the license reinstatement process, our law practice carefully reviews all evaluation and treatment records in advance of the hearing. This review ensures that the documentation is both accurate and consistent with Secretary of State standards, reducing the risk of delays or denials.

Step 5: Prepare for the Hearing

Effective preparation is key to a successful hearing. Our office reviews expected questions with every client on multiple occasions, and screens for any inconsistencies between testimony and other evidence to be submitted at hearing. This ensures that a client presents a clear reporting of their history, while effectively highlighting any rehabilitative efforts.

During a hearing, the Secretary of State may inquire into many topics, including, but not limited to, the following:

• Overall driving history
• Details of all DUI arrests
• Criminal arrest(s)
• Past accidents
• Past and present drug/alcohol use
• Lifestyle changes
• Support program participation (if applicable)

It is critical to review testimony in advance. This allows for confident, accurate responses. This also helps to limit questioning during cross-examination by the Secretary of State’s attorney.

Step 6: Requesting the Hearing

To initiate a formal hearing, a written request and filing fee must be submitted to the Secretary of State. The hearing is scheduled within ninety days of receipt. Locations for formal hearings include Chicago, Joliet, Springfield, and Mount Vernon. Our firm files all hearing requests on behalf of clients.

Step 7: Attending the Hearing

On the day of the hearing, our clients meet in our office in advance of the hearing to finalize documents and go to the hearing location. The hearing takes place before an administrative law judge and includes evidence from both sides. The client testifies first, with questions directed by our attorney. Following direct examination, the Secretary’s attorney and the hearing officer may ask additional questions.

By law, the Secretary of State should issue a written decision within ninety days of hearing. Possible outcomes include full reinstatement, a restricted permit, out-of-state clearance, or denial. If privileges are granted, the Secretary outlines next steps, including any fees, driver’s license testing, or insurance requirements.

Legal Representation Makes a Difference

An experienced driver’s license reinstatement attorney plays a vital role in the hearing process. From gathering evidence to preparing testimony, an attorney ensures that the case is fully developed and organized. At a minimum, a driver’s license attorney should help with the following items:

• Request and analyze evidence from the State
• Review evaluation and treatment records
• Recommend specific mitigation or character evidence
• Help organize testimony and anticipate questions
• Explain applicable law and build a legal strategy

Attorneys understand hearing expectations and the importance of demonstrating rehabilitation and public safety. Each hearing is an opportunity to present the full picture of a person’s character and growth after their driver’s license was revoked in Illinois.

Serving Clients Throughout Kane County and Beyond

Wirth Law represents clients throughout Kane County, including:

• Aurora
• Elgin
• St. Charles
• Geneva
• Batavia
• South Elgin
• North Aurora

With locations in Naperville and Chicago, our firm provides local access to those in the western suburbs, while remaining near the Secretary of State hearing office in Chicago. We also serve out-of-state clients whose licenses are held due to an Illinois revocation.

Schedule a Free Consultation

Wirth Law offers free consultations to discuss driver’s license reinstatement eligibility and services. We offer flat fees, competitive pricing, and payment plans through Affirm. To speak with our office, call (312) 761-8290 or email jennifer@wirthlaw.org.

With decades of experience and a reputation for excellence, our team is prepared to help individuals move forward with restored driving privileges.