Will County Driver’s License Reinstatement Lawyer

For over twenty years, Wirth Law has focused exclusively on Illinois driver’s license reinstatement hearings and DUI-related defense. Our firm has helped thousands of revoked drivers regain their driving privileges, whether revoked for multiple DUIs, reckless homicide, or another reason. With offices in the Chicago Loop and downtown Naperville, Wirth Law provides convenient access to residents of Will County, including Joliet, Plainfield, New Lenox, and Frankfort.

Our practice maintains an annual success rate of over 95 percent for first-time hearings and has been recognized for top-notch legal representation, client-focused service, and outstanding results. It is our belief that driver’s license hearings are a collaborative effort between a client and their driver’s license reinstatement attorney. We help our clients navigate the hearing process with confidence, preparing each client thoroughly and work with the evidence to build a strong, strategic case.

Focused Representation for Illinois Driver’s License Hearings

Wirth Law’s sole focus is representing revoked drivers at driver’s license hearings to obtain a permit, full reinstatement, or out-of-state clearance. Our firm represents clients in both formal and informal hearings for all types of license suspensions and revocations, with a strong focus on DUI-related offenses.

Managing Attorney Jennifer Wirth is a Will County native and has built her career around Illinois driver’s license reinstatement law. Her legal career spans more than twenty years, and her commitment to client advocacy has earned her numerous honors, including:

• “10.0 – Superb” rating from Avvo and Justia
• Listed among the Best DUI Lawyers in Chicago by Expertise for 2023 and 2024
• Ranked in the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Illinois for DUI defense
• Recipient of the Martindale-Hubbell Client Champion Award
• Avvo Client’s Choice Award winner for 10 Years in Row

Wirth Law serves Will County residents, including Joliet, Homer Glen, Frankfort, and Plainfield. Our office also represents out-of-state drivers who are dealing with a license hold or revocation due to an Illinois DUI, traffic, or criminal offense.

Legal Representation at Formal and Informal Hearings

When driving privileges are revoked in Illinois, the Secretary of State typically requires the driver to attend a formal or informal hearing before granting any relief. Wirth Law provides experienced representation in both settings.

Formal Hearings

A formal hearing is necessary for serious traffic offenses, such as multiple DUIs, Type A injury accidents, or reckless homicide. This hearing is similar to a courtroom proceeding and includes a hearing officer, an attorney for the Secretary of State, and sworn testimony from the client. The proceedings are recorded and follow a structured format.

Informal Hearings

An informal hearing is a forum for less serious matters, such as too many traffic citations, or possession of false identification. These hearings are conducted on a walk-in basis at designated Secretary of State locations.

While informal hearings are less structured, the hearing officer still asks many questions during the meeting. At the conclusion, the hearing officer makes a written recommendation. A decision is later mailed to the applicant, granting or denying driving privileges.

Illinois Driver’s License Suspensions and Revocations

The loss of driving privileges in Illinois typically falls into one of two categories: suspension or revocation.

Driver’s License Revocation

A revocation removes driving privileges indefinitely. To reinstate a license after a revocation, a driver must actively participate in a Secretary of State hearing to request a driving permit or license reinstatement. Common reasons for revocation include the following:

• DUI conviction(s)
• Reckless homicide
• Leaving the scene of an accident involving serious injury or death

Driver’s License Suspension

A suspension results in a temporary loss of driving privileges, typically for a defined period. Once the term expires and the requirements for reinstatement are completed, the driver regains their driving privileges.

Suspensions can occur for many reasons. Some common driver’s license suspensions include the following:

• A statutory summary suspension after a DUI arrest
• Accumulation of too many moving violations
• Possession or use of fraudulent identification

During a suspension, some individuals may qualify for a hardship permit, depending on the reason for the suspension and their driving needs. A suspended driver should consult with a driver’s license attorney to determine if they may be eligible for a permit during a suspension period.

Types of Driving Relief

The Secretary of State offers several types of relief, depending on various circumstances and legal requirements. During a consultation, Wirth Law evaluates eligibility to determine the best course of action.

Probationary Permits

Probationary permits allow revoked drivers to drive for any lawful reason—not just employment, school, or another specific reason. These permits typically allow up to 12 hours of driving per day, 6 days per week, within a 200-mile radius of the driver’s residence.

If granted a probationary permit, the driver chooses the days and hours they would like to drive. The probationary permit also allows a driver to split the driving hours into two periods. For instance, a driver may elect to drive between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m (3 hours) and 1 p.m. and 10 p.m. (9 hours). This allows a permit holder to exclude periods that they do not need to drive on a given day.

Additional hours or mileage may be granted for employment, if special circumstances are documented in a letter from the employer. This typically occurs when a permit holder has a job with rotating days and shifts, or when a broader mileage radius is required for work-related duties. In such cases, the Secretary of State may approve extra driving time or mileage solely for work purposes.

Hardship Permits

A hardship permit may be available when probationary or full reinstatement is not yet an option. This permit is restricted to specific purposes, such as employment, and only covers the days, hours, and mileage necessary to fulfill that purpose.

To qualify, the petitioner must demonstrate a hardship, while meeting all other hearing requirements. The Secretary of State looks at various factors to determine if a hardship exists, such as:

• Whether reasonable alternative transportation available
• Whether public safety will be endangered
• Whether an undue hardship will result if a permit is not granted

Wirth Law regularly helps revoked drivers who are experiencing hardship due to the loss of their Illinois driver’s license. We consider the circumstances of each client’s case and determine the best evidence to present a strong case for a hardship permit.

Full Reinstatement

Full reinstatement restores full driving privileges, with no limitations on days, hours, or mileage. The Secretary can choose between granting full reinstatement, or a restricted driving permit, depending on the facts of a case. In some instances, the Secretary may require a driving permit period before reinstatement is granted. Factors that affect eligibility include the seriousness of the violation, the number of past offenses, and limitations under existing law.

Out-of-State Clearance

Out-of-state residents with an Illinois revocation may request clearance to remove the Illinois hold on their driving record. Clearance is not a separate category of relief but is treated as a form of full reinstatement for drivers who no longer reside in Illinois.

Wirth Law routinely assists clients seeking clearance to obtain or renew a license in their current state of residence. Our firm also helps clients understand the potential implications of becoming an Illinois resident in the future if previously reinstated as an out-of-state driver.

A Client-Centered Approach to Legal Representation

Wirth Law was founded on the belief that every client deserves honest legal guidance, knowledgeable representation, and exceptional service. Our office provides a high level of service from the initial consultation to the final decision. Each case is evaluated individually, and all clients receive:

• Ongoing updates on the progress of their case
• Strategic preparation tailored to their history and classification
• Clear explanations of requirements and legal procedures

Our firm’s success is rooted in the strength of its hearing preparation and the depth of its knowledge in Illinois license reinstatement law. Whether the matter involves a first-time DUI revocation or a more complex scenario, our practice is committed to helping each client take the next step toward restoring their driving privileges.

Schedule a Free Consultation

Wirth Law provides free consultations to individuals whose licenses have been suspended or revoked by the Illinois Secretary of State. Consultations may be conducted by phone, virtually, or in-person. To schedule a consultation, please contact our office at (312) 761-8290 or email jennifer@wirthlaw.org.

Our practice proudly serves clients throughout Will County, and the Chicagoland area. We also provide legal representation to out-of-state residents seeking to remove an Illinois license hold. As one of Illinois’ longstanding driver’s license reinstatement law firms, Wirth Law remains committed to helping clients drive again through proven experience and exceptional service.