Illinois License Issues Secretary of State and Alcohol Abuse

As an Illinois license reinstatement lawyer, I found out recently that you can't win them all. We had our first denial in over five years occur recently which means that our client will need to proceed to another hearing. I always pride myself on the preparation that my clients receive before their hearing with the Secretary of State as this gives my clients he best chance of success.

What happened? The Secretary of State asked what is the difference between alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence. Alcohol dependence is when one has lost control of one's drinking and / or has lost control. Alcohol abuse is when one drinks enough alcohol to become intoxicated. Obviously, continued abuse of alcohol can lead to dependency.

This simple line of questions needs to be understood by any client intending to get their Illinois driver's license back via an administrative hearing with the Secretary of State.