Palatine Defense Attorneys for Secretary of State Hearings

Callahan & Hockemeyer understand Illinois DUI laws and we can help you get your driver’s license reinstated at a Secretary of State hearing. Our attorneys have successfully represented countless clients in similar administrative hearings and we can help you get back on the road.

To schedule your free consultation, call Callahan & Hockemeyer at 847-543-6910. 

Has Your Driver’s License Been Revoked or Suspended in Illinois?

In Illinois, your driver’s license may be suspended or revoked if you are convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI), a traffic offense that involved a fatality, or various other serious driving violations. To get your driving privileges restored, our team can help you request an administrative hearing with the Secretary of State.

During your hearing, we will need to show that you should be granted relief by demonstrating your commitment to correcting the behaviors that caused the loss of your license. Our attorneys will prepare you for questioning, help you gather evidence to prove your completion or compliance with requirements imposed upon you, and increase your chances of a successful outcome.

Legal Guidance for Informal Secretary of State Hearings

If your driver’s license was suspended or revoked after a first-time DUI, a traffic offense that did not involve a fatality, or because of multiple minor moving violations, you may request an informal administrative hearing to get your driving privileges restored.

In Illinois, informal Secretary of State hearings are held on a walk-in basis. During an informal hearing, the hearing officer will ask you a series of questions relating to your charges and your behaviors. If your hearing is successful, it can result in restricted driving privileges or the full restoration of your driver’s license.

Attorneys for Formal Administrative Hearings

A formal Secretary of State hearing is required to restore your driving privileges if your driver’s license was suspended or revoked after multiple DUI arrests or a traffic offense that resulted in a fatality. If you wish to request a formal administrative hearing, we will need to mail a written request and a $50 filing fee to the Secretary of State.

During your formal hearing, our attorneys will question you about the details of your arrest and any prior relevant arrests, past and current alcohol or drug use, and any symptoms of alcohol or drug dependence. We will ask about any behavior changes you have made, programs you are participating in or have completed, and why you deserve to have your driving privileges restored. The Secretary of State or hearing officer may question you as well.

Preparing for Your Secretary of State Hearing

Proper preparation is of utmost importance when you are facing an administrative hearing to get your license back. Prior to your hearing, our attorneys will:

• Review your driving record. We’ll look at prior convictions, determine whether you will be eligible for a restricted driving permit or the full restoration of your driving privileges, and see if a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) will be required.
• Review your alcohol or drug evaluation and treatment documentation, if applicable. If your last evaluation is more than six months old, we’ll help you obtain a new evaluation. The information in your evaluation is critical to your case.
• Examine information from your previous Secretary of State hearing if you received a Denial Order. We will look at the reasons you were denied and make sure those reasons have been addressed.
• Make sure you are prepared for any questions we expect to be asked during your hearing.