Can I get my license reinstated without going to court?

If your Illinois Driver's License is revoked due to a DUI Conviction and that conviction cannot be overturned, the answer is NO. In Illinois, in order to get your license reinstated you will need to have a administrative hearing with the Illinois Secretary of State's office. There are two types of hearings: informal and formal. Less serious offenses and number of DUI arrests only may require an informal hearing, whereas more serious offenses require a formal hearing.

Informal Hearing

In order to have an informal hearing, you will need to discuss your case with a SOS hearing officer. Informal hearings are offered for minor moving violations, first time DUI convictions and violations that did not have a fatality. As a result of the hearing, you may obtain a restricted driver's permit, or have your license reinstated. The good news about an informal hearing is that there is no Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device requirement so if you are eligible for an informal hearing, you are not a BAIID mandatory candidate.

Formal Hearing

If your offense involved: (1) a fatality, or (2) if you have multiple DUI convictions, then you will have to attend a formal hearing. In order to get a formal hearing, you must mail in the appropriate form, a Formal Hearing Request, with a fee. You will receive a formal hearing date in the mail. Depending on the result of the hearing, you may obtain a restricted driver's permit, have your license reinstated, or receive a denial of reinstatement.

The hearing isn't the final step. Once you receive notice that you can have your driver's license reinstated, you still must show proof of insurance and pay appropriate fees. If having a breath alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID) installed in your car is a part of the requirements, then you must show proof that it is installed in your car.

Reinstating your driver's license is a lengthy and complicated process. It is not guaranteed your license will be reinstated. Having an experienced attorney on your side can help tremendously. Attorney John Callahan has handled hundreds of license reinstatement cases. The first step in getting back on the road is calling the law offices of John Callahan.