Lake County Driver’s License Reinstatement Attorney

For over twenty years, Wirth Law has focused exclusively on Illinois driver’s license reinstatement hearings with the Illinois Secretary of State. Our firm represents individuals seeking to restore driving privileges after a revocation or suspension, particularly those involving DUI-related offenses. With an annual success rate of 95 percent for first-time clients attending a hearing with our firm, Wirth Law offers experienced and effective legal representation throughout every stage of the hearing process.

Wirth Law provides services to clients throughout Lake County, including Waukegan, Mundelein, Gurnee, Vernon Hills, Round Lake, Libertyville, and Zion. Our firm’s main office is located in the Downtown Chicago Loop, within walking distance of the Chicago Secretary of State formal hearing facility. For many Lake County residents, the Chicago hearing location is the most convenient option, with accessible public transportation including Metra rail service. Our firm meets with clients virtually by phone or Zoom, as well as in-person, depending on client preference.  

Award-Winning Representation from 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 both local Lake County residents, as well as revoked and suspended drivers throughout the State of Illinois. Our firm also helps 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 Illinois clients, depending on eligibility for driving relief.

Legal Guidance Through the Secretary of State Hearing Process

After a Illinois driver’s license revocation, an individual must attend a formal or informal hearing with the Illinois Secretary of State. The type of hearing depends on the reason for the revocation and the number of prior offenses. Most DUI-related revocations require a formal hearing, which is conducted in a courtroom-like setting with a hearing officer and a legal representative from the Secretary of State.

The reinstatement process can be complex. Wirth Law provides clear, step-by-step legal guidance that includes:

• Identifying the legal basis for the suspension or revocation, such as DUI, reckless homicide, multiple moving violations, or use of a fraudulent ID
• Determining whether a formal or informal hearing is required under the law
• Evaluating eligibility for a Restricted Driving Permit (RDP), out-of-state clearance, or full license reinstatement
• Obtaining and reviewing critical documents, including court purposes driving abstracts, DUI arrest reports, BAIID logs, prior hearing records, and out-of-state conviction information (when applicable)
• Ensuring that all documents submitted to the Secretary of State meet regulatory standards and to support a favorable decision

Review and Analysis of Alcohol and Drug Evaluations

A key part of the reinstatement process is the alcohol and drug evaluation, which must be performed by a licensed Illinois provider and dated within six months of the hearing. The evaluation assigns a risk classification based on the driver’s DUI history, substance use, and blood alcohol content. The classifications include:

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

Wirth Law conducts a thorough review of the evaluation and all related treatment documents to ensure consistency and compliance with Secretary of State requirements. This attention to detail helps eliminate delays, errors, and potential denials based on technical issues.

Preparing for the Reinstatement Hearing

Effective hearing preparation is critical to a successful outcome. Our firm conducts multiple sessions with each client in advance of the hearing. These meetings focus on anticipated questions, potential issues, and strategies for presenting clear and truthful testimony. Preparation topics may include:

• Details of each DUI arrest and any related criminal charges
• Driving history and past accidents
• History of alcohol or drug use
• Lifestyle changes and personal development since the last offense
• Support group attendance (when required)
• Employment, family responsibilities, and/or educational progress

By preparing in advance, clients are able to give accurate and persuasive testimony that aligns with their documentation and risk classification. Our firm also ensures that clients are prepared for cross-examination prior to attending their hearing.

Scheduling and Attending a Hearing

Wirth Law submits all necessary requests and filing fees to schedule a formal hearing. Hearings are held in four locations throughout Illinois: Chicago, Joliet, Springfield, and Mount Vernon. Many Lake County clients attend their hearing in Chicago due to convenient public transit and our firm’s proximity to the hearing site.

On the day of the hearing, clients meet at the Chicago office to review documents and prepare before checking in. The hearing itself involves sworn testimony, presentation of documents, and potential questions from the hearing officer.

Legal representation is essential to ensure that the client’s case is presented in a favorable and organized manner. A license reinstatement attorney is allowed to directly examine their client during a formal hearing, ensuring that key information is highlighted when a revoked driver is testifying. By reviewing testimony in advance, it is our experience that clients feel more confident and prepared to answer questions on their hearing date.

Post-Hearing Process and Decision

Following the hearing, the Secretary of State issues a written decision within ninety days, pursuant to 625 ILCS 5/2-118. Possible outcomes of a driver’s license hearing include the following:

• Full Reinstatement – Requires payment of a reinstatement fee and proof of insurance
• Hardship Permit – Allows limited driving for work, medical, or support purposes
• Probationary Permit – Allows driving for any lawful purpose, up to 12 hours a day, six days a week, within a 200-mile radius of residence
• Out-of-State Clearance / Reinstatement – Lifts Illinois hold so that out-of-state driver can apply for a license in their home state
• Denial – Specifies reasons for denial and identifies issues to correct

If privileges are granted, Wirth Law helps guide clients through completing the steps to restore driving privileges, including obtaining SR-22 insurance, advising how to pay fees, and providing information on how to sign up for driving exams, whenever applicable.

Legal Support for Complex and Out-of-State Cases

Wirth Law frequently represents individuals with complex case histories, including multiple DUI offenses, past hearing denials, or revocations based on out-of-state convictions. Our firm also assists those who are no longer Illinois residents but are unable to obtain a license elsewhere due to an Illinois hold.

Whether the case involves a recent revocation or a longstanding journey to reinstatement, our firm provides thorough and experienced representation designed to secure the best possible outcome.

Representing Lake County with Integrity and Results

Wirth Law proudly assists drivers across Lake County, including:

• Waukegan
• Gurnee
• Mundelein
• Vernon Hills
• Round Lake
• Libertyville
• Zion
• Grayslake
• North Chicago
• Lake Zurich

With convenient access to our firm’s Downtown Chicago office and the Secretary of State Chicago formal hearing, Lake County residents can rely on Wirth Law for trusted and effective representation in the license reinstatement process.

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 qualified individuals. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call (312) 761-8290 or email jennifer@wirthlaw.org.