Kendall County Driver’s License Reinstatement Attorney

Wirth Law focuses exclusively on driver’s license reinstatement and DUI defense. For more than twenty years, the firm has assisted individuals throughout Kendall County in restoring their driving privileges through the Illinois Secretary of State hearing process. With a success rate of over 95 percent at first-time hearings for clients who complete preparation through the firm, Wirth Law provides experienced and strategic legal representation at every stage of the process.

With offices in the Downtown Chicago Loop and Naperville, Wirth Law is conveniently located for residents of Kendall County, including those in Oswego, Yorkville, Plano, Montgomery, and surrounding western suburbs. The firm also offers virtual and telephone consultations to accommodate clients throughout Illinois and nationwide.

Experienced Representation for Driver’s License Reinstatement

Managing Attorney Jennifer Wirth has earned widespread recognition for her top-notch representation in the areas of DUI defense and driver’s license reinstatement. She has consistently received a perfect 10 rating on both Avvo and Justia, two prominent and independent legal ranking systems. Wirth has also been named one of the Best DUI Lawyers in Chicago by Expertise for 2024 and has been included among the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Illinois for DUI defense. Her firm has received repeated honors including the Martindale-Hubbell Client Champion Award and the Avvo Client’s Choice Award.

In addition to representing local residents in Kendall County, Wirth Law assists individuals nationwide who are unable to obtain a driver’s license in their home state due to an Illinois revocation. The firm regularly clears Illinois holds for out-of-state residents, while helping Kendall County clients obtain a permit or full reinstatement of their driver’s license.

Overview of the Driver’s License Reinstatement Process

Restoring driving privileges in Illinois requires a formal or informal hearing before the Secretary of State, depending on the nature of the revocation. The process can be complex, particularly for those with DUI-related revocations. Wirth Law provides comprehensive legal services to guide clients through every stage of the process, including evaluating eligibility, preparing for the hearing, and advocating for the client in the hearing proceedings.

Step 1: Determining the Basis for Suspension or Revocation

The first step in any reinstatement case is to determine the reason for suspension or revocation. DUI is one of the most common causes, but other reasons include reckless homicide, possession or use of a fake ID, multiple moving violations, or felony involving use of a motor vehicle.

During the initial consultation, the firm identifies the legal basis for the loss of driving privileges and determines whether a formal or informal hearing is required. Most DUI-related revocations, as well as cases involving Type A injury or death, require a formal hearing.

Formal hearings take place in a courtroom-like setting before a hearing officer and an attorney representing the Secretary of State. The petitioner may testify and submit documents in support of their case. Legal representation is highly recommended, as the proceedings are adversarial.

A license reinstatement attorney can help prepare a client for the hearing, as well as examine the client in the hearing room. This ensures that the best facts about the client’s case are highlighted, while any difficult topics are managed properly.

Step 2: Determining Eligibility for Relief

Reinstatement is not always limited to full restoration of driving privileges. In many cases, a person may be eligible for a Restricted Driving Permit (RDP) prior to full reinstatement. The RDP allows limited driving for specific purposes, such as work, medical care, or support group attendance.

Wirth Law carefully evaluates eligibility for any available form of relief, including out-of-state clearance, restricted permits, or full reinstatement. The firm provides tailored advice based on the client’s record and goals.

Step 3: Gathering and Reviewing Secretary of State Records

A successful hearing requires thorough preparation. Upon being retained, Wirth Law immediately obtains relevant documents from the Secretary of State, including, but not limited to the following, as applicable:

• Court purposes driving abstract
• DUI arrest reports
• Records of prior hearings
• Out-of-state conviction information
• BAIID (breath alcohol interlock device) reports

These documents are essential to identify potential issues and avoid contradictions between testimony and the State’s evidence.

Step 4: Review of Alcohol and Drug Evaluation and Treatment Records

Before attending a formal hearing, a current alcohol and drug evaluation must be completed through a licensed Illinois provider. The evaluation must be dated within six months of the hearing and will classify the individual into one of the following risk levels:

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

The risk classification depends on various factors, including DUI history, alcohol or drug use, and blood alcohol concentration. Each category has minimum program requirements:

• Minimal Risk: 10 hours of DUI Risk Education
• Moderate Risk: 10 hours of Risk Education + 12 hours Early Intervention
• Significant Risk: 10 hours Risk Education + 20 hours Treatment + Aftercare
• High Risk: 75 hours of Treatment + Continuing Care or waiver documentation

Wirth Law thoroughly reviews all evaluation and treatment documentation in advance of the hearing to ensure consistency, accuracy, and compliance with Secretary of State regulations. This detailed review helps eliminate errors and avoids delays or denials based on clerical or factual discrepancies.

Step 5: Hearing Preparation

Effective preparation is the key to a successful outcome. Wirth Law conducts multiple preparation sessions with each client to review anticipated questions and identify inconsistencies. These meetings help ensure that the client provides clear, honest, and well-supported testimony.

At a driver’s license reinstatement hearing, the Secretary of State may discuss a wide range of subjects, including:

• Complete driving history
• Details of each DUI arrest
• Any past criminal charges or convictions
• Past accidents involving injury or property damage
• History of alcohol or drug use
• Lifestyle changes since last alcohol or drug-related offense
• Support group participation (such as AA, Smart Recovery, or other programs)
• Employment, education, and family circumstances

On the hearing date, a client should feel prepared and ready to answer questions posed to them. By preparing in advance with a client, a license reinstatement attorney can help a client avoid surprises or inconsistent statements.

Step 6: Scheduling the Hearing

To request a formal hearing, Wirth Law submits a written request and filing fee on the client’s behalf. The hearing is scheduled within ninety days at one of the following locations: Chicago, Joliet, Springfield, or Mount Vernon.

Many of our Kendall County clients attend hearings in Chicago due to its availability of public transportation and the proximity of our downtown office to the hearing location. On the day of the hearing, clients meet in our office to finalize paperwork before checking in for the hearing.

Step 7: Attending the Hearing and Awaiting a Decision

The hearing itself involves sworn testimony and presentation of documentary evidence. Wirth Law directs the client’s testimony and presents the case in a clear and persuasive manner. After direct questioning, the Secretary of State’s attorney and hearing officer may ask additional questions.

Following the hearing, the Secretary of State will issue a written decision within ninety days. Possible outcomes include:

• Full license reinstatement
• Restricted Driving Permit (RDP)
• Out-of-state clearance
• Denial

If driving privileges are granted, the decision outlines next steps, such as paying a reinstatement fee, completing any required testing, and submitting proof of insurance.

Why Hire a Driver’s License Reinstatement Attorney?

The Secretary of State hearing process is complex, and errors can result in unnecessary delays or denial of driving relief. Wirth Law ensures that every aspect of the case is thoroughly reviewed and presented in the most favorable light. An experienced driver’s license attorney provides assistance with:

• Requesting and analyzing Secretary of State records
• Reviewing alcohol/drug evaluations and treatment records
• Recommending additional mitigation evidence
• Organizing hearing testimony
• Addressing legal and procedural questions
• Ensuring all documentation complies with regulatory requirements

Legal representation can make a significant difference in the outcome of a reinstatement case, particularly when dealing with complex DUI histories or prior hearing denials.

Representing Kendall County Drivers with Dedication and Experience

Wirth Law proudly serves drivers throughout Kendall County, including:

• Oswego
• Yorkville
• Plano
• Montgomery
• Boulder Hill
• Millbrook
• Newark

Our office is conveniently located in Naperville, with easy access from Kendall County. We also serve clients throughout Illinois, as well as out-of-state residents who are seeking to remove an Illinois hold on their driving privileges.

Schedule a Free Consultation

Wirth Law offers free consultations for driver’s license reinstatement hearings. Our firm provides flat-fee pricing and payment plans through Affirm for those who qualify. To schedule a consultation, call (312) 761-8290 or email jennifer@wirthlaw.org.