McHenry County Driver’s License Reinstatement Attorney

For over two decades, Wirth Law has focused exclusively on Illinois driver’s license reinstatement hearings with the Illinois Secretary of State and DUI defense. Our firm represents individuals seeking to restore driving privileges after a license revocation or suspension for various offenses, such as DUI, reckless homicide, Type A injury accidents, and fake identification violations. With an annual success rate of 95 percent for first-time clients attending a hearing with our office, Wirth Law offers experienced and effective legal representation throughout every stage of the hearing process.

Our firm provides legal services to clients throughout McHenry County, including Crystal Lake, McHenry, Algonquin, Lake in the Hills, Huntley, Woodstock, and Cary. The Secretary of State’s formal hearing office in Chicago is often the most accessible location for McHenry County residents, with public transportation options available through Metra rail service. Our office is located in the Downtown Chicago Loop, within walking distance of the Chicago hearing facility. Clients may meet with us in person or schedule virtual consultations by phone or Zoom, depending on individual preference.

Recognition as a Top-Ranking Reinstatement Attorney

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 2023 and 2024, while also being 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, as well as winning the Avvo Client Choice Award for ten years in a row.

Wirth Law is proud to represent McHenry County residents, as well as revoked and suspended drivers throughout Illinois. Our firm also assists individuals across the country who are unable to obtain a driver’s license in their home state due to an Illinois hold or revocation. Our practice routinely clears Illinois holds for out-of-state drivers, as well as obtains permits or full reinstatement for eligible Illinois clients.

Legal Guidance Through the Secretary of State Hearing Process

After a revocation of driving privileges, an individual must attend either a formal or informal hearing before the Illinois Secretary of State. The type of hearing depends on the underlying offense and the driver’s record.

Informal hearings are generally available for first-time DUI offenders and less serious offenses, such as too many traffic tickets in a given period. These hearings are conducted by a hearing officer in a private office setting, without an attorney representing the Secretary of State. At an informal hearing, the client and their licensing attorney meet with an informal hearing officer, where the client is asked several questions. At the conclusion of the hearing, the informal hearing officer makes a written recommendation, which is mailed to the parties after the hearing. Informal hearings can result in restricted permits or full reinstatement, depending on eligibility, the seriousness of offense(s), and overall driving history.

Formal hearings are required for more serious violations, including multiple DUI offenses, accidents involving serious bodily harm or death, or revocations for reckless homicide. These hearings are held in a courtroom-like setting with a hearing officer and a legal representative from the Secretary of State. Witnesses may be examined under oath, and the proceedings follow a structured evidentiary process.

Wirth Law provides detailed legal guidance throughout both types of hearings, including:

• Identifying the legal basis for the revocation or suspension
• Determining the appropriate type of hearing under Illinois law
• Evaluating eligibility for a hardship permit, probationary permit, or full reinstatement
• Obtaining and reviewing all necessary documents, including driving abstracts, DUI arrests, BAIID reports, and prior hearing records (where applicable)
• Ensuring that all documents submitted to the Secretary of State meet the required standards for consideration

Review and Analysis of Alcohol and Drug Evaluations

A required component of most hearings is an alcohol and drug evaluation, completed by a licensed Illinois treatment provider. The evaluation must be dated within six months of the hearing date and assigns a risk level based on the individual’s history, symptoms, and blood alcohol content (when applicable). The risk classifications and associated requirements include:

• Minimal Risk – 10 hours of DUI Risk Education
• Moderate Risk – 10 hours of Risk Education and 12 hours of Early Intervention
• Significant Risk – 10 hours of Risk Education, 20 hours of treatment, and aftercare
• High Risk (Dependent or Non-Dependent) – Minimum of 75 hours of treatment with continuing care or a completed waiver

Our firm carefully reviews all evaluation and treatment documents to ensure consistency and compliance with Secretary of State regulations. This proactive review minimizes the likelihood of delays or denials based on missing or incorrect information.

Preparing for the Reinstatement Hearing

A well-prepared case is essential for a successful outcome. Our firm conducts multiple meetings with each client to review anticipated questions, clarify past incidents, and address any issues that may arise during the hearing.

Topics covered in hearing preparation often include:

• Driving history, including any prior accidents
• Circumstances surrounding each DUI
• Past criminal history, if applicable
• Current lifestyle changes, including employment, education, or friendship group
• Substance use history
• Completion of any treatment programs
• Attendance in any support groups for recovery, when applicable

By organizing the case in advance and reviewing testimony, clients are better prepared to present accurate and persuasive information that supports their request for driving relief. Our firm strives to make clients feel confident and ready to testify before attending their hearing.

Scheduling and Attending a Hearing

Our firm prepares and submits all required documents and hearing fees to schedule a formal hearing. Hearings are conducted at four locations throughout Illinois: Chicago, Joliet, Springfield, and Mount Vernon. McHenry County residents frequently attend hearings in Chicago due to the convenience of Metra rail access and the proximity of our office to the hearing location.

On the day of the hearing, clients arrive at our Downtown Chicago office to finalize paperwork and complete last-minute preparation. The hearing includes sworn testimony, document submission, and potential questioning by the Secretary of State’s legal representative and hearing officer.

A license reinstatement attorney is allowed to examine their client during the formal hearing, ensuring that essential details are presented clearly and effectively. With the benefit of advance preparation, clients are able to give accurate and consistent testimony in response to questions about their history and efforts toward rehabilitation.

Post-Hearing Process and Decision

Following the hearing, the Illinois Secretary of State is required to issue a written decision within ninety days, as set forth in 625 ILCS 5/2-118.

Possible outcomes of a hearing may include:

• Full Reinstatement – Requires payment of a reinstatement fee and proof of SR-22 insurance
• Hardship Permit – Permits limited driving for employment, medical care, or treatment purposes
• Probationary Permit – Allows general driving for up to 12 hours daily, six days weekly, within a limited radius
• Out-of-State Clearance – Lifts the Illinois hold to allow licensing in another state
• Denial – Explains the reasons for denial and what steps are needed for future eligibility

When privileges are granted, our firm helps complete the final steps in the process, including  advising how to pay fees, obtain SR-22 insurance, and schedule any required exams or tests.

Legal Support for Complex and Out-of-State Cases

Our firm frequently represents clients facing complex licensing issues, including multiple DUI convictions, out-of-state holds, and prior hearing denials. We also assist out-of-state residents who must clear a hold before applying for a license in another jurisdiction.

Whether the case involves a recent revocation or prior denials before enlisting our help, our firm offers in-depth representation that addresses both legal and practical concerns involved in restoring driving privileges.

Representing McHenry County with Experience and Commitment

Wirth Law is proud to represent clients from throughout McHenry County, including:

• Crystal Lake
• McHenry
• Algonquin
• Lake in the Hills
• Huntley
• Woodstock
• Cary
• Harvard
• Johnsburg
• Marengo

With convenient access to our Downtown Chicago office and the Chicago Secretary of State hearing facility, McHenry County residents can count on Wirth Law for knowledgeable and effective representation.

Contact Wirth Law for a Free Consultation

Wirth Law offers free consultations for all Illinois driver’s license reinstatement matters. Our firm provides flat-fee representation and offers payment plans through Affirm for qualifying individuals. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call (312) 761-8290 or email jennifer@wirthlaw.org.