Cook County Driver’s License Reinstatement Attorney

Wirth Law is a Chicago-based law firm that focuses exclusively on Illinois driver’s license reinstatement and DUI defense. Located in the heart of the Chicago Loop, our office is within walking distance of the Secretary of State hearing facility. With over twenty years of focused experience, our practice helps individuals regain driving privileges throughout Cook County and across Illinois.

Led by managing attorney Jennifer Wirth, our practice offers comprehensive legal representation at formal and informal license reinstatement hearings. We assist both Illinois residents and out-of-state drivers seeking to clear a license hold. With a success rate of at least 95 percent for first-time clients, Wirth Law is widely recognized for its commitment to professional excellence and outstanding service.

Trusted License Reinstatement Representation in Cook County

For more than two decades, Wirth Law has helped revoked and suspended drivers navigate the complexities of the Illinois Secretary of State hearing process. Our law firm exclusively represents clients in DUI-related matters and license reinstatement cases. This includes full license reinstatement, hardship cases, probationary permits, out-of-state clearance, and BAIID violations.

Our representation extends throughout Cook County, including clients living in Chicago, suburban communities such as Oak Park, Cicero, Evanston, Skokie, and the southern and western suburbs. We also work with drivers residing outside Illinois who are prevented from obtaining a license in their home state due to an Illinois revocation.

Wirth Law’s practice is built on personalized guidance, experienced advocacy, and strong hearing preparation. We work with clients extensively before their hearing, reviewing all documentation and testimony in detail before a hearing. We answer questions and help clients make informed decisions on the best strategy for their case.

Attorney Jennifer Wirth – Recognized DUI and License Reinstatement Advocate

Jennifer Wirth, the firm’s managing attorney, has earned numerous awards and distinctions for her work in DUI and driver’s license reinstatement law. She has been consistently ranked as a top-tier attorney by independent platforms such as Avvo and Justia, receiving a perfect 10.0 rating on both.

In 2024, she was named among the Best DUI Lawyers in Chicago by Expertise. She has also been recognized as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers for DUI Defense in Illinois and has repeatedly won the Martindale-Hubbell Client Champion Award and the Avvo Client’s Choice award.

With decades of experience and hundreds of successful license reinstatement outcomes, Jennifer Wirth remains dedicated to helping drivers throughout Cook County regain their driving privileges and move forward with their lives.

Common Reasons for Driver’s License Revocation and Suspension in Cook County

One of the most common causes of driver’s license revocation in Cook County is a DUI conviction. Under Illinois law, a DUI conviction will revoke Illinois driving privileges, whether the conviction occurs in Illinois or in another state while the individual holds an Illinois license. Once the court notifies the Secretary of State, the revocation process begins.

The Illinois Vehicle Code lists offenses that require a mandatory revocation of driving privileges in Section 5/6-205. These include, but are not limited to the following:

• DUI conviction in Illinois
• Guilty plea to DUI in another state while holding an Illinois license
• Reckless homicide
• Commission of a felony involving a motor vehicle
• Aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement

Additionally, the Secretary of State has discretion under 625 ILCS 5/6-206 to revoke or suspend an Illinois driver’s license based on other offenses. Some examples of discretionary suspensions include the following:

• Three or more moving violation convictions in a twelve-month period
• Permitting the unlawful or fraudulent use of a driver’s license or identification card
• A second conviction for illegal transportation of alcohol in a twelve-month period

In many cases, a person’s license may be revoked or suspended for more than one reason. A license reinstatement attorney should evaluate all applicable suspensions and revocations to create a plan for resolving each issue at the appropriate hearing.

Forms of Driving Relief Available Through a Secretary of State Hearing

The Illinois Secretary of State may approve different forms of driving relief depending on eligibility and the outcome of a hearing. These include the following potential outcomes:

Full Reinstatement for Illinois Residents

Full reinstatement restores all driving privileges without restrictions. This form of relief does not require the use of an interlock device and allows the driver to operate a motor vehicle for any legal purpose without limitations on mileage, time, or location. Following approval, reinstatement fees must be paid to the Secretary of State before the license can be reissued.

Reinstatement and Clearance for Out-of-State Residents

Out-of-state residents with an Illinois DUI revocation may request full reinstatement in order to remove the Illinois hold. The goal is not to obtain an Illinois license, but rather to allow the individual to apply for a license in their state of residence. Once reinstatement is granted, the individual must pay applicable fees and may be required to submit an SR-22 Waiver.

If reinstatement was granted based on out-of-state residency, and the person later returns to Illinois, they may be required to obtain a permit before a full Illinois license can be issued. An out-of-state resident should consult with an Illinois driver’s license reinstatement attorney prior to reestablishing residency in Illinois if they were granted reinstatement as an out-of-state resident.

Hardship Permits

Hardship permits may be issued if the petitioner shows that the inability to drive causes an undue hardship. These permits are limited to essential purposes such as work, school, medical care, support meetings, daycare, and court-ordered programs, such as community service. The petitioner must also demonstrate that no reasonable alternative transportation is available and that granting a permit would not pose a risk to public safety.

Probationary Permits

If eligible, an individual may be granted a probationary permit to drive for any lawful purpose within a 200-mile radius of their residence. The permit typically allows driving for twelve hours per day, six days per week. In many DUI cases, use of an ignition interlock device is a condition of receiving a probationary permit.

BAIID Multiple Offender (BMO) Permits

Drivers with two or more DUI convictions may be subject to an extended permit period before reinstatement. The Secretary of State mandates a five-year period of continuous driving on a BAIID permit for multiple offenders who reside in Illinois, regardless of the eligibility date listed on the driver’s abstract. The BMO permit is renewed every two years through a hearing process.

Secretary of State Hearing Process in Cook County

The Illinois Secretary of State requires either a formal or informal hearing to determine whether reinstatement, clearance, or a permit will be granted.

Formal Hearings

Formal hearings are required for serious revocations, including those related to DUI, reckless homicide, or felony offenses involving a vehicle. These hearings are conducted similar to a courtroom proceeding. Testimony is given under oath, and the hearing is recorded. The participants typically include a hearing officer, a Secretary of State attorney, the petitioner, and the petitioner’s license reinstatement attorney. A written decision is mailed within ninety days of the hearing.

Informal Hearings

Informal hearings are held on a walk-in basis at driver services facilities and are used for less serious matters such as multiple moving violations, false identification, or fleeing and eluding law enforcement. The hearing officer conducts an in-office interview, records the responses in writing, and submits the findings to the Secretary of State. A written decision is sent by mail after review.

Statewide and Out-of-State Representation

Wirth Law represents individuals throughout Illinois, including all regions of Cook County. Our office frequently assists clients from Chicago, the North Shore, western suburbs, and south suburban areas. We also represent out-of-state drivers from across the country who need to resolve an Illinois license hold.

No matter where a person resides, our office can coordinate preparation and hearing appearances as needed. Our goal is to make the process as efficient and accessible as possible.

Flat Rates, Payment Plans, and Free Consultations

Wirth Law is committed to providing clear and affordable pricing for driver’s license reinstatement hearings. We offer flat rates with no hidden fees, as well as payment plans through Affirm for those who qualify. All prospective clients are offered a free consultation to review their driving record, determine eligibility for relief, and create a strategy tailored to their circumstances.

To schedule a free consultation with our firm, contact Wirth Law at (312) 761-8290 or email jennifer@wirthlaw.org. Our office is ready to assist with Cook County driver’s license reinstatement and related DUI matters with professionalism and proven experience.